APD Arrests Suspect in Copper Cable Theft Series, Seeks Public Assistance Locating Second Suspect

In August 2026, Austin Police (APD) Commercial Burglary & Metal (CBM) detectives began investigating a series of copper cable thefts in Northeast Austin. Two suspects were believed to be responsible for multiple attempts to steal heavy-gauge copper communication cables attached to wooden telephone poles. The suspects used vehicles to pull down the poles and remove the cables.

During the investigation, detectives learned a white van associated with the thefts had been seen attempting to sell copper at a nearby metal recycling business. Members of the Property Crimes Task Force (PCTF) located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, identifying the driver as Clifford Nelson Locklin, White male, 52 years of age. During the investigation, Locklin identified the owner of a Dodge Ram truck believed to be involved as Adam Ray Lawrence, White male, 37 years of age.

Detectives determined Lawrence had sold more than 600 pounds of copper several days after one of the thefts, using the Dodge Ram truck. The investigation also confirmed the stolen material was proprietary copper communication cable belonging to AT&T.

In September 2026, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Lawrence with Theft of Material – Copper, a state jail felony. Lawrence was arrested and booked into the Travis County Jail in October 2026.

In October 2026, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Locklin with Theft of Material – Copper, a state jail felony. Locklin remains outstanding and is believed to reside in Bastrop, Texas.

                                    *Previous booking photo of Locklin

The APD Commercial Burglary & Metal Unit is asking for the public's assistance in locating Locklin. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the unit at APDCommercialBurglary@austintexas.gov or (512) 974-6941. You can also submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to an arrest.