A Cape Coral neighborhood is searching for answers after a porch pirate was caught on camera stealing from a homeowner's property.
Matthew Ward was expecting his $200 Apple AirPods to be delivered to his Northeast Cape Coral home on Tuesday. It was delivered, but his package was nowhere to be found
"My wife called me, she said, your AirPods isn't here. And I'm like, well, it delivered. I have the confirmation. She went, 'Watch the video,' and I just couldn't believe it," Ward said.
Surveillance video that NBC2 received on Friday shows a FedEx delivery man dropping the item off on camera. Ward's cameras also captured a woman 15 minutes later driving in an SUV, parking in his driveway, walking to his front door, stealing the package and driving away.
"My wife was in the house and didn't even see it," Ward told NBC2. "It's crazy that they would be so brave to do it while someone's home."
He believes the woman caught on camera followed FedEx.
"You could see her on her phone. It looks like she's talking to someone," he said.
Porch pirates are common in Lee County. Cape Coral Police Department said there are ways to stop these thieves.
Track Your Packages
: Use tracking services to monitor your deliveries and arrange for them to be delivered when you're home.
Require a Signature : Opt for signature confirmation on high-value items so the package is only released directly to you.
Install Security Cameras : Set up visible cameras or doorbell cameras to deter thieves and capture evidence in case of theft.
Ship to a Secure Location : Have packages delivered to your workplace or a trusted neighbor if you're not home.
Use Package Lockers : Some carriers offer secure locker drop-off points where you can pick up your package at your convenience.
Conceal Packages Immediately : If you're expecting a delivery, try to bring packages inside as soon as possible after they arrive.
Neighborhood Watch : Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighborhood and report anything unusual to local authorities.
Judith Schuth, a neighbor who lives near Ward, said it's sad that people have to resort to this, but it has to be done.
"Unfortunately, we have to do those things because people aren't as honest and caring as some other people," Schuth said.
Cape Coral police are investigating this incident.
If you have any information on this woman, contact SWFL Crimestoppers.