Short-staffed Austin police urge robbery victims not to call 911 as crime ravages cityBy Andrea Vacchiano, Fox News
September 5, 2023
Austin police in Texas are asking residents to call 311 if they get robbed near an ATM 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 known as Twitter, to urge residents to call 311 or make an online report if they’re robbed – 311 is a number usually used 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.
The graphic included advice to mention the bank in the 311 report and include the date and time of the cash withdrawal.
The new protocol comes as the Texas capital grapples with an increase 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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Source:
https://nypost.com/2023/09/05/austin-police-ask-robbery-victims-not-to-call-911-amid-staffing-shortage-crime-crisis/
