Austin Police are alerting the public to an increase in cell phone thefts by pickpocketing in downtown Austin, particularly during times of heavy pedestrian traffic. In response, the department is implementing new measures to help prevent these incidents.
Temporary signs will be placed at various high-density locations downtown. These signs will be moved regularly to reach more pedestrians and serve as reminders for people to secure their valuables, such as cell phones, in less accessible places.
According to police data, most pickpocketing activity occurs between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m., with the highest frequency between midnight and 1 a.m., especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Over half of reported pickpocketing cases each year from 2023 through 2025 have taken place during this one-hour window.
To reduce the risk of theft, Austin Police recommend several safety precautions:
– Keep phones, wallets, and other valuables in front pants pockets.
– Avoid using cross body purses for carrying important items.
– If carrying a purse, consider using festival latches or locks that make it harder for thieves to access contents.
– Store your screen lock password separately from settings or cloud passwords.
– Keep credit cards or identification separate from your phone case when attending crowded events.
Anyone who becomes a victim is encouraged to file a report promptly by calling 3-1-1 or submitting an online report at www.ireportaustin.com.
