Pair accused of stealing packages off front porches

MAIDENCREEK TWP., Pa. -

Two thieves are off the streets after swiping packages from the front porches of homes in Berks County, said police.

A small package was shipped and delivered, but never received. A quiet community in Maidencreek Township fell victim to the growing problem of thieves stealing packages from front porches.

"You don't think of it happening in your own neighborhood," said Steve Dybowski, who lives on the street where the package was taken.

According to police, the theft happened Thursday afternoon in the 400 block of Troy Drive.

An off-duty police officer saw two guys in a red Dodge minivan pull into a driveway. One man got out and swiped a package off the front steps, said police.

"He removed and carried the package back to the van, got into the van and drove off," said Sgt. Brian Horner, Northern Berks Regional Police Dept.

The off-duty officer followed the van and saw it back up into another driveway on Liberty Drive. The driver got out and went to the front of the house, but when he saw the officer, he acted like he was knocking on the door, said police.

"The driver ended up getting back into the vehicle and sped off," said Horner.

The off-duty officer approached the suspects. He was able to write down their registration and contact police.

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Pair accused of stealing packages off front porches