BRIEF: Thieves targeting abandoned buildings in Austin, police say

Dec. 02--Burglars are targeting abandoned and foreclosed buildings in the city's Austin neighborhood to steal copper pipe and other materials, police said.

At least four buildings in South Austin have been burglarized, police said in a statement. In each burglary, people force their way into the residence and cut holes in the walls to remove the copper pipe. Burglars have also taken water heaters, stoves, furnaces and locks from the building, police said.

The burglaries have taken place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the following locations:

--4800 block of West Huron Street on Nov. 19

--600 block of North Laramie Avenue on Nov. 20

--700 block of North Laramie Avenue between Nov. 13 and Nov. 19

--4800 block of West Iowa Street between July 9 and Nov. 24

Police said the burglars have tools that can cut copper pipe. Anyone with information can contact Area North detectives at (312) 744-8263.