Armed robbers targeting Hispanics
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 @10:25pm CST

Austin police are sending out a warning to people on the city's south side.

As New Year's Eve approaches, police say Spanish-speaking residents are being targeted in a string of robberies in South Austin.

Veneza Aguinaga said Wednesday that people are being hit up for money at apartment parking lots at the 3600 block of Southridge Drive and the 1300 block of Southport Drive, near Ben White.

Aguinaga said one or two men are suspected of robbing people in and around their cars between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.

The suspects are taking wallets and cash and they are targeting Spanish-speakers.

"We believe for the reason that sometimes these victims don't have access to banks. Many of them will carry their money with them, making them easy targets," said Aguinaga.

"Sometimes these victims are afraid to contact the police for fear of some type of immigration thing that will happen and that's not the case."

Aguinaga said there have been seven robberies in the area since November.

She said police are looking for one or two black men in their late teens or early 20's in connection with the robberies.

The men are described as being 5' 8" tall and 150 pounds.

One suspect was seen wearing a black hoodie with a red hood and red design. The suspects have shown guns so, they are considered dangerous.

Eva Hernandez lives near Southridge Drive. After hearing about the robberies,
Hernandez told KEYE-TV she was scared because she's not sure what she'll encounter.

Merri Bruce, who lives in an apartment complex on Southridge Drive, said she was also frightened to hear about the robberies and has been taking extra caution.

"I came home from work and there was a letter attached to the door, stating some people have been robbed at gunpoint," said Bruce.

Investigators are asking people to be aware of their surroundings and to call the police department if they have any information on these robberies.



http://weareaustin.com/content/news/story?cid=43871