Fake Amazon Delivery Driver Steals iPhone Packages From Metro Detroit Homes: Police

TROY, MI — A man is facing charges after stealing iPhone packages from Troy and other metro Detroit area homes while posing as an Amazon delivery driver, according to Troy police.

Yohangel Martin Polanco Melo, 23, was charged with two counts of larceny, $1,000-$20,000 and three counts of larceny, $200-$1,000. He was placed in jail with a bond set at $50,000.

Police are working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement because Polanco Melo is in the U.S. illegally, according to police.

Beginning in September, police said Polanco Melo would specifically target iPhones that were just delivered to homes in the metro Detroit area.

Polanco Melo approached the homes with a small empty package while wearing an Amazon vest, bucket-style hat and a surgical mask, according to police.

Polanco Melo then dropped off the empty/unlabeled box and took the iPhone box, often concealing it under his vest as he walked back to his vehicle, according to police.

Multiple home surveillance systems in Troy and other Metro Detroit areas caught Polanco Melo taking the iPhones and getting into a silver Dodge Caravan with a paper plate in the rear window, according to police.

On Oct. 15, officers spotted the Dodge Caravan, which Polanco Melo was driving, and stopped it, according to police.

Officers found numerous iPhones inside the van along with several empty boxes, according to police.

Police said Polanco Melo was wearing the same Amazon uniform that he was seen wearing on video. Officers then arrested Polanco Melo in connection with the thefts, according to police.