Smile, you're (stealing) on Candid Camera
To a thief, those UPS packages sitting on a home's front stoop must be awfully tempting -- sort of the grab bag of larceny. You don't know what it is, but it must be worth something because someone took the time to send it.
And if the package is left at the door, it must mean no one's home.
One such individual spotted a package in a Manassas neighborhood earlier this month. He walked up to the door, picked up the box, looked around, and tried to stuff the large box under his coat before walking off. It was at exactly 1:04 p.m. on Nov. 4.
How do police know? Because he stared right into a surveillance camera.
The suspect seen removing a package from a Manassas residence. (Manassas Police.)
Manassas City police are looking for a man who was caught on video stealing a package in the 8200 block of Liberia Avenue. The box contained an ATV trailer winch. In still images taken from the video, the suspect appears to look into the house to see if anyone can see him and then look around to see if anyone is watching.
They were.
He stuffed the large box under his coat before walking away.
Manassas police reported another such larceny last week in the 8500 block of Richmond Avenue, though they are unsure if it's related. This time the haul was a box including home entertainment equipment, perhaps a better score than a winch.
Police ask that anyone who can identify this man or with information about the thefts to call Officer Merrit at (703) 257-8155.
-- Josh White
By
Josh White
|
November 23, 2009; 2:54 PM ET
Categories:
Crime, Seen
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Josh White
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Pr. William
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Posted by: kenk3 | November 23, 2009 4:58 PM | Report abuse
UPS has to share some of the blame in this case. Why leave a package if no one is home? This absconds UPS from any responsiblity and placing the blame with the merchant and/or receipient. I have lost several packages due to UPS's rush to get the delivery over with and move on to the next. Attempting to contact UPS regarding any lost package is useless.
Posted by: rkayblock1 | November 23, 2009 6:46 PM | Report abuse
A lot of people aren't aware that you can purchase a camera that plugs into your computer for under $20 on eBay.
You can also get, for under $30, downloadable programs, from a varitey of websites, that turn your computer camera into a motion-detecting device that will record anything that moves while you're not home (as this victim has).
Posted by: kcharloff | November 23, 2009 8:10 PM | Report abuse
I once had a friend who ordered a U.S. Public Health Service women's uniform with Commanders stripes on it. It was stolen off her front porch.
I'm sure the thief had a lot of use for it.
Posted by: wobbleman47 | November 23, 2009 8:27 PM | Report abuse
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Throw that scumbag in jail. Hopefully, he'll be shanked.