The Austin Police Department is currently investigating a theft incident at a thrift store in North Austin, where surveillance footage recorded a woman stealing merchandise worth hundreds of dollars. The incident occurred at Heartening, a community-oriented thrift shop that features both a free clothing rack and a $3 warehouse area, alongside a premium section aimed at higher-end sales.
Store founder Kelley Rytlewski shared that the premium sales help cover the shop’s operating expenses and rent. In the surveillance video, the suspect can be seen ignoring the discount and free clothing areas before heading to the premium section. Rytlewski described the theft, stating, “She had gone around and stuffed her purse full of items, and at the last minute grabbed a pile of the most expensive dresses in our store and ran out the door.”
The thief left with eight garments and two pairs of shoes, with Rytlewski estimating the in-store value at over $300 and a potential resale value online exceeding $1,200. Initially, staff members believed the woman was a legitimate customer as she exited with hangers in hand. However, nearby business owners soon noticed her suspicious behavior.
Clint Moore, owner of Spruce Upholstery located just two doors away, witnessed the woman rummaging near his store’s dumpster. “I thought the lady was looking for scraps of fabric and I would have offered her any kind of scraps of what we were looking for,” Moore recounted. After she left, he found clothes hangers marked “Heartening” in the trash and promptly alerted Rytlewski, although the suspect had already made her escape.
“She’s whipped out with all of the coat hangers on the clothing, making a hasty exit and yeah, just getting rid of them in our dumpster,” Moore noted, highlighting the community’s camaraderie. The incident was especially disheartening for local business owners, as Heartening actively contributes to the community by providing 500 to 1,000 items daily through its free clothing stand.
Rytlewski commented, “She passed it on her way in and she passed it on her way out, and we refill that constantly. If she needed clothing, she would have received it that day.” Moore added, “I can’t understand why somebody would do that when, if you’re in need of clothing, Heartening will provide for you.”
A formal report regarding the theft has been submitted to the Austin Police Department. Authorities are seeking any information that could help identify the suspect involved in this incident.
