‘Porch pirate’ in Decatur apartment complex swipes packages, spoils Christmas for residents

DECATUR, Ga. - DeKalb County police need help identifying a man accused of swiping packages off the front doorsteps of residents inside a Decatur apartment complex. The most recent incident was earlier this week.

"It was probably there less than 30 minutes," one resident told FOX 5.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, says before she could get excited about the prospect of a package being delivered, a porch pirate targeting residents of East Perimeter Pointe Apartments on Snapfinger Woods Drive got to it first.

"Someone walked by, came back from around the corner and took a package from out the door," she stated. "I checked the Ring footage and that’s how I saw what happened."

Now DeKalb County police are trying to identify the man seen in a black hoodie and skullcap. Video shows him walking past her door and then quickly grabbing the present she says was a Christmas gift for her partner.

"It’s just frustrating because you work hard for everything, and to see somebody just feel so entitled to just walk by and take something that you are working hard toward being able to pay for," she told FOX 5.

The resident says she posted that video on the Ring platform and was stunned to see replies from other residents saying they’d also had packages swiped by the same person.

Suspect at East Perimeter Pointe Apartments (Credit: Ring Doorbell Camera footage)

"Actually, somebody posted another video shortly after where he’d stole another package and someone’s trash can," she recalled.

DeKalb County Police say theft is an issue all year around, but it’s really important this time of year to take extra precautions to ward off thieves.

"Things that one might consider is scheduling deliveries around times they’re going to be home. If they’re not going to be home, maybe ask a neighbor to receive the package on their behalf, utilizing package lockers through storage locations," Detective David Craig told FOX 5.

Police say another good option is getting a P.O. Box. That resident says after dealing with other issues at the complex in recent months, she plans to move out all together.

DeKalb County police say the investigation into the theft case is ongoing. If you recognize that man, give detectives a call. You can also submit an anonymous tip using the agency’s smartphone app.