Austin, July 28, 2025
News Summary
In Austin, a food blogger, Taylor Hannon, faced heartbreak when his car was stolen with his dog, Noodles, still inside. After the car was found, Hannon organized a community search to find Noodles, raising awareness about pet safety and theft in the area. The incident has sparked significant social media attention and community support to recover the missing dog.
Austin Community Rallies After Food Blogger’s Car is Stolen with Dog Inside
In Austin, a well-known food blogger, Taylor Hannon, experienced the shock of his life when his red Honda Civic was stolen early Friday morning, around 4:40 a.m. The distressing incident took a turn for the worse when it was discovered that Hannon’s beloved dog, Noodles, an 8-year-old black terrier mix, was inside the vehicle at the time of the theft.
Hannon was in the process of packing for a weekend getaway and left the car running for air conditioning while he quickly retrieved Noodles’ bed from his home. The car was parked only about 15 feet from his front door in South Austin, making the theft feel even more intrusive. Hannon reported that he witnessed two individuals jump into his car before driving away. The thieves had arrived on two Bird scooters, complicating the search for their identities.
Following the theft, Hannon’s friend, Marco Garcia, reached out to Bird for information regarding the riders but was met with privacy restrictions that prevented any assistance. The case has now been taken up by the Austin Police Department’s Auto Theft Unit, which is actively investigating.
On Sunday, Hannon shared with his followers the news that his car had been located. Unfortunately, the vehicle was found gutted and non-operable, leaving Hannon gravely concerned for Noodles’ wellbeing. He described Noodles as a shy dog who is very attached to him and voiced his fears about how the separation might affect his emotional state.
The post about the theft quickly went viral, capturing the attention of nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram and mobilizing the Austin community. A local security camera provided footage of Hannon’s stolen car passing by the La Quinta Inn on the frontage road, offering critical evidence in the investigation.
In response to the urgent need to find Noodles, Hannon organized a search party on Sunday, with numerous volunteers helping to comb through South and East Austin in search of his pet. Noodles is microchipped, meaning that if found, her recovery is likely to be easier as the microchip will enable identification.
The stolen dog was not wearing a collar or harness at the time, which heightens concerns about her safety. Hannon remains hopeful that Noodles will be returned safely, saying that he is willing to forfeit the car for the sake of her return. He plans to collaborate with the local dog rescue group TRAPRS to aid in his search efforts.
This troubling incident of theft comes at a time when Austin has seen a marked increase in auto thefts, with over 1,300 reported cases in April alone. Hannon has urged anyone who may have seen Noodles or has any information about her whereabouts to contact TRAPRS at 844-287-2777.
Summary of Incident Details
- Incident Type: Car theft with dog inside
- Time of Theft: Early Friday morning at 4:40 a.m.
- Location: South Austin, approximately 15 feet from Hannon’s front door
- Vehicle: Red Honda Civic, license plate NGC 0023
- Dog: Noodles, 8-year-old black terrier mix, not wearing collar
- Thieves: 2 individuals on Bird scooters
- Current Status: Car found, Noodles still missing
FAQ Section
What happened to Taylor Hannon’s car and dog?
Taylor Hannon’s car, a red Honda Civic, was stolen with his dog Noodles inside while he packed for a trip. The car was parked close to his home in South Austin.
What are the details about Noodles?
Noodles is an 8-year-old black terrier mix who is shy and very attached to Hannon. At the time of the theft, she was not wearing a collar or harness.
What actions are being taken to find Noodles?
Hannon organized a community search party and is working with local dog rescue group TRAPRS to locate Noodles. The dog is microchipped, which will help in her identification if found.
Are there any updates on the car?
The car has been found but is no longer operable. It was gutted, causing concern for Hannon about the condition of Noodles.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stolen Vehicle | Red Honda Civic |
| Incident Time | 4:40 a.m. on Friday |
| Location | 15 feet from Hannon’s home |
| Dog | Noodles, black terrier mix |
| Thieves | Two individuals on Bird scooters |
| Community Involvement | Search party organized, social media support |
| Current Status | Car found; searching for Noodles |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- FOX 7 Austin: Food Blogger’s Car Stolen
- Wikipedia: Auto Theft
- KVUE: Austin Food Influencer Dog Stolen
- Google Search: Austin Stolen Car Dog
- Austin Monthly: Local Influencer Dog Missing
- Google Scholar: Auto Theft Impact
- KXAN: Austin Food Blogger’s Car Stolen
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet Theft
- Men’s Journal: Food Blogger’s Car Stolen
- Google News: Taylor Hannon Austin Theft
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
