Austin Police Ask Robbery Victims to Call 311 Amid Staffing Shortage, Crime Crisis

Austin Police in Texas asked residents to call 311 if they get robbed near an ATM over the weekend as the department struggles amid an increase in urban crime and staffing shortages.

The Austin Police Department posted a graphic in a post on X, formerly Twitter, to urge residents to call 311 or make an online report if they’re robbed; 311 is a number usually reserved for non-emergency requests, as opposed to 911.

“Even if you are cautious & follow all the safety advice, you may still become the unfortunate victim of a robbery,” the Austin Police Department wrote on X. “Do you know what your next steps should be?

“Make a police report & provide as much information as possible so we can recover your property quickly and safely,” the post added. {snip}

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The post comes as the Texas capital grapples with a rise in crime. Compared to 2020, Austin has had a 77% increase in auto thefts, an 18% increase in aggravated assaults and a 30% increase in murders.

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