Police said the theft happened at a site located at 1125 Shady Lane on Thursday, April 16.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin police are searching for a suspect in connection with a copper theft at an East Austin construction site.

The theft occurred around 4:20 a.m. April 16, at a site in the 1100 block of Shady Lane, according to the Austin Police Department (APD).

Police said the suspect was seen stealing copper from the property, which has been targeted eight times since March 30.

APD said anyone with information are urged to contact the APD Commercial Burglary Unit at 512-974-5308. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.


Recent copper thefts in Central Texas

This isn’t the first copper theft reported by local police in recent months.

In late March, APD announced that a man had been arrested in connection with copper wire theft and street light vandalism that occurred in February on Ridgepoint Drive in northeast Austin. 

In early April, KVUE spoke with Austin Energy about how copper thefts spark concerns about safety and about the costs that come with fixing the damage.

Also earlier this month, the Cedar Park Police Department reported that a suspect had been arrested for allegedly stealing about $12,800 worth of copper wire from an old Wendy’s location on East Whitestone Boulevard.