In a daring overnight theft, a transport van from a downtown Austin pet shelter was found on Monday morning after being stolen. The incident occurred at approximately 3:55 a.m., when an unidentified individual smashed through the gates of the Austin Pets Alive! downtown location and absconded with the van.

The stolen van was later discovered parked at the 7-Eleven situated at the corner of South Lamar and Barton Skyway. As of now, it remains unclear whether the perpetrator has been apprehended.

A vigilant member of the community noticed the van's presence at the gas station and promptly alerted authorities, leading to their swift response. Austin Police Department officers were seen near the van by photojournalist Todd Bailey from KXAN, who promptly covered the unfolding events.

The transport van, utilized by Austin Pets Alive! for the safe transport and rescue of thousands of animals, holds immense significance for the organization's lifesaving efforts. Its recovery comes as a relief for the shelter, who had promptly filed a police report following the theft.

The damage caused to the shelter's downtown location and the identity of the suspect remain undisclosed. However, Austin Pets Alive! reached out to the local community, seeking their assistance in retrieving the van.

The stolen van's retrieval stands as a small victory against pet theft and reinforces the importance of community involvement in safeguarding the welfare of animals. Austin Pets Alive! continues to dedicate itself to its mission of rescuing and finding homes for animals in need, thanks to the collaborative efforts of its community and supporters.

The incident serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.