A late-morning theft at a liquor store on the edge of Mueller has Austin police asking the public for help.

Austin police say that around 11 a.m. on Dec. 30, 2025, a man walked into the Twin Liquors at 1801 E 51st Street, picked up several bottles, concealed them in his pants pocket and left without paying. The suspect is described as a Black man in his early 30s with a medium build. No injuries were reported.

The incident, steps from busy streets that connect Mueller with surrounding Northeast Austin neighborhoods, underscores how routine shoplifting cases can ripple through local businesses and nearby residents, even as broader crime trends improve citywide.

What happened inside the store

Police said the man selected multiple liquor bottles and hid them on his person before exiting the Twin Liquors without going through the checkout. Investigators released a brief description and are seeking tips that could help identify him. APD did not immediately release surveillance footage or additional details about the merchandise.

Residents and shoppers who were in the area around late morning on Dec. 30 are encouraged to review any dashcam or phone photos and report information to police.

Retail theft and the citywide picture

Citywide, serious crime indicators have trended down. Austin saw declines in both violent and property crime in 2025, moving closer to pre-pandemic levels, according to KUT reporting that cites Austin Police Department data. Homicides fell in 2025 compared with the year before; robberies, aggravated assaults and property crimes also decreased. KUT noted that property crime has dropped by nearly 20% since 2020.

"We have a really strong team there. They're very thorough and they do a phenomenal job," said Angie Jones, Assistant Chief, Austin Police Department.

APD has also mounted focused retail-theft crackdowns. In late November 2025, the department ran a three-day operation in North Austin shopping areas that led to 11 arrests and the recovery of nearly $13,000 in merchandise, according to MySanAntonio. While that blitz was outside Mueller, officials say such targeted efforts are part of a broader strategy to deter theft in busy commercial corridors.

How police are responding

The Twin Liquors case remains under investigation, and detectives are asking anyone who recognizes the man to come forward. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if information leads to an arrest.

  • submit a tip anonymously via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program at https://austincrimestoppers.org or call 512-472-8477.
  • A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.

The department’s overarching priorities emphasize both enforcement and prevention. APD’s 2024–2029 Strategic Plan highlights five focus areas — Protect Austin, Engage Our Community, Develop Our Workforce, Foster Leadership Excellence and Enhance Organizational Capacity — to strengthen public trust and improve safety outcomes, according to the Austin Police Department.

Prevention around homes and businesses

While retail theft affects stores and shoppers, APD has also pursued prevention in residential settings — an important piece of neighborhood safety as Mueller and nearby areas mix homes, parks and retail. Through a Crime-Free Multi-Housing pilot aimed at apartment properties with five or more units, the department has encouraged safety upgrades, staff training and resident-police events. Two properties have been certified under the program, and Pecan Gardens senior housing reported a 70% drop in police calls after certification, according to the Austin Statesman.

Programs like these run parallel to targeted enforcement in shopping districts, reflecting a “both-and” approach that addresses theft and disorder where people live and where they shop. For residents, that can translate into more consistent patrols, stronger relationships with officers and better coordination with businesses on prevention steps such as store layout changes, signage and staff training.

What Mueller residents should know

For now, APD’s immediate goal is to identify the man suspected in the Dec. 30 theft. The department urges neighbors and visitors who frequent E 51st Street to stay alert to their surroundings and report suspicious behavior promptly. Retailers in the area can review security practices and share relevant footage with investigators.

The Mueller case may be modest in dollar value, but police say quick identification and accountability help keep local shops healthy and support the broader downward trend in property crime. With continued community participation — from anonymous tips to neighborhood meetings — residents can help ensure that progress continues into the new year.

Read the full story on Fox7Austin.com.

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