Authorities are piecing together the events after a slew of recent burglaries at vape shops in both Cedar Park and Pflugerville resulted in significant property loss and damage. According to CBS Austin, the Drip n Rip Vape shops were targeted by thieves who used a stolen car to ram into the storefronts, providing the culprits with access to pilfer merchandise. Cedar Park police stated that the incident in their jurisdiction took place in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Security cameras captured the brazen burglary as a car forcefully backed into the store's entrance, shattering the door to clear the way for the burglars. The crime in Cedar Park happened around 3:10 a.m., and in a similar fashion, the Pflugerville location was struck on Oct. 14, at approximately 12:45 a.m, "We just found out it is not us being targeted," Lacy Parton Hobble, co-owner of the vape shops, said, according to CBS Austin. "It is multiple stores including liquor stores. These group of people are stealing cars and driving them into stores. They've cause just so much money and damages. We want to warn other stores and small businesses."
Meanwhile, Pflugerville police are investigating a similar incident that took place on West Pecan Street, revealing that after the vehicle was used to forcefully gain entry, the suspect fled on foot, according to a statement obtained by CBS Austin. Additionally, the vehicle utilized in the breach was reported as stolen from Austin.
Surveillance footage provided insight into the operation, showing several people assisting to align the car before ramming the façade multiple times. After breaching the wall, the group quickly moved to grab items, particularly disposable nicotine vapes. "We were informed they are hitting multiple businesses all around the area including liquor stores," Hobble told KXAN. The co-owner's intention to alert other businesses and the decision to maintain usual store hours in the face of the crimes speak to resilience and community awareness.
The local police departments have been notified of the burglaries and are urging business owners in the area to take precautionary steps and report any suspicious activity. While the investigations continue, the affected vape shop locations are dealing with the aftermath but remain open for business. The community is still on high alert, as the burglars have yet to be apprehended.
