Mannequin thieves on the prowl

AUSTIN (KXAN) - There has been a rash of mannequin burglaries over the past several weeks. The latest was stolen from on top of First Rate Fixtures off East 53rd street.

The thief somehow climbed on top of the roof, cut a chain the mannequin was attached to and took off with it.

“It was a heavy duty one. So they came prepared. I think they probably watched her, came back. Needed a date that night," laughed Leah Leissner.

Leissner is the owner of First Rate Fixtures. She said the mannequin someone stole was unique, and mannequins like "Rhonda" sell for upwards of $2,000.

“I think maybe, high school is starting up or college kids coming in, probably a frat house is full of mannequins somewhere," she said.

Leissner also rents and sells mannequins. Some were sold to Mel's Meals off North Lamar Street. KXAN spoke to her recently .

A few weeks ago a thief broke through the glass at Mel's Meals, bypassed the cash register and stock of food, and ran off with one of those mannequins. All that was left behind was an arm.

Fashion week starts on Saturday and Leissner rents many of her mannequins to those who put on the fashion shows.

Police reports have been filed. Neither mannequins have yet been recovered.