Sheriff Warns Of ‘Porch Pirates'; Polk Woman Arrested For Theft

DAVENPORT, FL - An 18-year-old woman was arrested Thursday for the theft of five Amazon packages in the Davenport Estates and Legacy Park subdivisions in Davenport, Polk County sheriff’s detectives said. The woman, identified as Elise Rosa of Davenport, was charged with four counts of unoccupied residential burglary, one count of occupied residential burglary, and five counts of petit theft.

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, and Wednesday, Oct. 25, five separate victims reported their packages stolen from their front door. Thanks to an anonymous Crime Stoppers tipster, who saw her on a home surveillance video posted on social media outlets and television news, deputies located Rosa. She admitted to committing the burglaries and thefts, detectives said.

"Porch pirates follow delivery trucks around in residential neighborhoods looking to steal your packages. This crime can occur any time of the year, but it's more likely to occur now due to the holidays approaching. Please be mindful when you order online - sign up to track your packages, have packages delivered to a locked mailbox or your work address, arrange to be home when the package is delivered, or ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your package,” Sheriff Grady Judd said.

Image via Shutterstock; 2nd image via Polk County Sheriff