TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Police said Friday that they had arrested a man they believe to be the porch pirate who stole from more than 20 homes in the city.
Hyson I. Williams, 42, is charged with five counts of felonious petty theft and one count of felony burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, according to Tampa Police.
According to TPD, Williams stole packages from more than 20 homes in the South Seminole Heights neighborhood.
Through Ring Camera footage, detectives were able to identify Williams as the suspect of interest in several cases.
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On December 7, 2023, Williams was taken into custody and charged with Five (5) Counts of Felony Petit Theft and One (1) Count of Felony Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling. Additional charges are still pending.
“There is no easier target for criminals than packages left in plain view,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Don’t let criminals enjoy the holidays at your cost. Invest in tools and put into practice techniques that conceal and protect your valuables.”
The Tampa Police Department encourages residents to minimize their risk of becoming a target to porch pirates by following these tips:
- Purchase a porch lock box that is designed to receive packages and keep them secure. Typically lock boxes can only be opened with a key or lock combination.
- Utilizing the feature to track a package, ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to pick up your package(s) once they’re delivered.
- If given the option, require a signature upon delivery.
- Request for packages to be delivered at secure locations such as Amazon lockers, FedEx or UPS stores.
- Bonus: If you plan on delivering a package directly to a recipient, give them a heads-up and ask if they have a delivery preference.
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