Pinellas Park police arrest suspected porch pirate

PINELLAS PARK (FOX 13) - Pinellas Park police arrested a 15-year-old who, they say, stole a package from a porch.

On Monday around 2 p.m., the teenager was seen on home surveillance approaching the front door where the package, containing a laptop computer, was sitting on the front porch in the 7800 block of 52nd Way North. He then walked away down the street with the package.

The teenager was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with burglary and grand theft. The computer was recovered from his home.

Pinellas Park police said an increase in porch pirate incidents occurs during the holiday season. Officials advise residents to have packages sent to a friend, relative or trusted neighbor you know will be home. Packages can also be sent to work addresses or create a temporary P.O. Box or request a signature for their package so it will not be left at the front door.