String of burglaries in North Austin causes one small businesses to go cashless

AUSTIN - A string of burglaries in North Austin left small business owners a mess to clean up, and at least one is rethinking how they're going to do business moving forward.

The Austin Police Department confirmed all burglaries are connected.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is urged to contact the Austin Police Department.

North Austin Business Burglaries

What they're saying:

According to social media posts, Amy's Ice Creams, Phil's Ice House, and East Side Pies, all in one shopping center, were victims of burglars on Friday, August 15.

The social post from Amy's Ice Creams said, "Glass was broken and there's cleanup to do, but our teams are safe - and we're OPEN as usual today."

"The side doors were broken, so just a bunch of glass was left here," said Gabriel Yzaguirre, an employee with Phil's Ice House.

"This break-in is part of a string of burglaries happening across Austin, and too many of our fellow small businesses have been affected. What’s carried us through today is the love and support we’ve already felt from our neighborhood and the city," said Yzaguirre.

Amy’s Ice Creams said an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen. The shop has filed a police report and says it’s looking at new security measures moving forward.

Right next door, Phil’s Ice House was also hit. Burglars got in through a side door, according to an employee.

"They didn't trash anything else, they just made their way through to what they needed, just cash, and they didn't take anything else. Surprisingly, they didn't even take the roll of coins or anything like that," said Yzaguirre.

Amy's Ice Cream responds

"Over the weekend, our Amy’s Ice Creams and Phil’s Icehouse location on Highway 183 was broken into. It was a tough way to wake up, but I’m grateful to share that all of our staff are safe and the shop is open today. 

This break-in is part of a string of burglaries happening across Austin, and too many of our fellow small businesses have been affected. What’s carried us through today is the love and support we’ve already felt from our neighborhood and the city. 

If you’re looking for a way to help, the best thing you can do is keep showing up for local spots you love. Come by and share a scoop or a burger with us — and please make sure to stop by our neighbors at East Side Pies, who were also impacted. Moments like this remind us why Austin is such a special place to call home."

East Side Pies surveillance footage

Dig deeper:

East Side Pies shared a video with FOX 7 showing two people entering the business wearing dark hoodies and covering their faces before knocking down the security camera.

The company said all three of its locations have been broken into within the last 10 days, including two hits at its Rosewood store.

East Side Pies says it’s now moving to a cashless model as a result, adding in part, "It’s alarming to see local businesses across Austin being targeted like this, but we’re staying resilient and deeply grateful for the community support as we move forward."