Home Security Camera Helps Nab Solano County Package Thieves

SOLANO COUNTY, CA -- A Fairfield resident's outdoor motion-activated security camera aided in the arrest of two people this week on suspicion of stealing a package left on the front porch, according to police.

A resident in the 2500 block of Woolner Avenue received a text alert at 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 25 that the security camera above the front door had been activated, police said. The video footage on the woman's smartphone showed a package delivery she was expecting, police said.

The resident received another text alert and a video at 11:15 a.m. that showed a female stealing the package and getting into a vehicle with another suspect, police said.

Officers Gene Carter and John Reed were in the area and they spotted the purple PT Cruiser seen in the video a short distance away in the 2500 block of Raleigh Court, police said. Police detained the suspects and
recovered the stolen package.

Based on the clear video that showed the female, police arrested Melissa Tarrance, 38, and Michael Richerson, 39, both of Fairfield, on suspicion of petty theft and conspiracy. Richerson also was arrested for a
probation violation.

Police said without the video, the theft would not have been solved.

Fairfield police are hosting a free community education forum 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Fairfield City Council chambers on the value of having home video security systems. Registration is available via https://goo.gl/5ygnmz.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Shutterstock