AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department believes two men are behind around 40 to 50 food truck burglaries throughout the city.
On Oct. 9, police said Michael Moreira is now in Hays County Custody under five warrants. He is believed to be responsible for more than 20 burglaries in the Austin area. Officials said they have a second person of interest but could not provide further details.
Moreira, 26, was caught on video during an alleged break-in at the Taco Sweets food truck on Burnet Road. He was arrested in Buda in August. When police searched his car and hotel room, they said they found items from businesses that were broken into, as well as tools like a pry bar and a metal cutter.
At a press conference July 18, police said the suspects involved have been primarily targeting various food trucks and trailers since late April.
"They seem to be coming every day," an investigator said at the press conference. "They're targeting food trucks throughout the city."
The department was asking for the public's help identifying the burglars caught on camera.
One of the burglars is described as being a thin, white man in his mid-20s to early-30s with short hair.
The other burglar is described as being thin and in the same age range as the other man. He has darker hair and a tattoo on his right forearm and a tattoo on his right bicep.
Police said all of the entries to the businesses have been forced.
Eric Zeitler is the assistant manager at Schaller's Stube, a food truck located at Third and Congress. He said he makes sure his food truck is locked up and all the cash is taken home every night.
"The last thing we need is somebody stealing," Zeitler said. "Most of these food trucks, they're not, you know, they're not big companies."
Food trucks are easy targets, he said, with the big front windows and lack of security systems.
The APD recommends food truck owners add lighting or surveillance cameras to their food trucks to ensure security.
"These people with these trucks and trailers are hard-working people like all of us, they're just trying to make a living, and being taken advantage of by these people trying to get in," said Det. Cole Reinarz.
Zeitler said he'll continue focusing on serving the lunch rush that comes by during the day, but he does have one hope.
"There's unsavory people that walk around here and I just wish that it would be a little easier to feel safer in the neighborhood," said Zeitler.
This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information regarding these burglaries, call 512-974-6941. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.
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