Shoppers at the Round Rock Premium Outlets got a midday scare Tuesday when multiple people rushed into Marc Robinson Jewelers, grabbed merchandise and took off, according to police. Officers were called to the store at about 12:47 p.m. for a reported robbery in progress, and witnesses told authorities they saw suspects fleeing the scene. Investigators say the group sped away in a vehicle reported stolen from the Houston area, then ditched it nearby. As of Tuesday evening, no arrests had been announced.
What police say
According to FOX 7 Austin, citing the Round Rock Police Department, several suspects went into Marc Robinson Jewelers at the outlet complex, stole jewelry and ran for the waiting getaway car. Officers later found that stolen vehicle abandoned close to the mall and recovered it as part of an active investigation. Police have not released any suspect descriptions or names and say the case remains under investigation, per the report.
Where it happened
Marc Robinson Jewelers is listed as one of the permanent retailers at the Round Rock Premium Outlets, a shopping center along north Interstate 35 that typically sees steady daytime foot traffic. The mall’s website posts the outlet’s store map and contact details, including the Marc Robinson location and hours. Because the robbery happened in the middle of the day, authorities are hoping shoppers or staff may have captured video or photos that could help investigators.
How to help
The Round Rock Police Department is asking anyone with information, photos or video to call its non-emergency line at 512-218-5500 or submit an anonymous tip through Williamson County Crime Stoppers, according to the department’s website. The site also lists additional contact options for reporting crimes and sending tips. People who recognize the vehicle or the suspects, or who were in the area at the time of the robbery, are urged to contact investigators right away.
Retail theft context
Industry monitors say similar grab-and-run and smash-and-grab incidents have hit jewelry stores and outlet malls across Texas and the rest of the U.S. this year. Groups such as the Jewelers' Security Alliance have catalogued multiple recent cases. Retail security experts note that organized crews often rely on stolen vehicles for fast getaways, then abandon them, which makes tracking suspects more difficult for law enforcement.
This is a developing story, and details may change as investigators release more information. The information above is based on reporting by FOX 7 Austin and public statements from the Round Rock Police Department.
