Pennsylvania
Porch pirate just snatches package from homeowner’s hands mere seconds after it’s delivered: video
A brazen-faced porch pirate was caught on surveillance video snatching a package worth thousands of dollars right out of the hands of a homeowner in a matter of seconds.
The bold theft happened Tuesday in Montgomery County, PA, at around 3 p.m., when the victim, identified only as Henry, was retrieving the package containing six iPhones for his family, according to ABC 6.
The thief can be seen running up to Henry’s door, bolting past an Amazon driver dropping off another delivery, as the homeowner bends over to pick up the high-value package.
In a flash, the porch pirate — wearing a black “Guess” shirt and a black Philadelphia Phillies baseball hat — yanks the package away from Henry and runs off toward a light tan-colored sedan with tinted windows that was waiting for him at the edge of the property, the video shows.
“Once he gets in the back of the car, he just flew up the street,” Henry told the local news station.
The shameless robbery left the homeowner shaken.
“Now every time you open the door for delivery, you have to watch out,” he said.
He believes the thief targeted the package containing thousands of dollars worth of phones. Henry said he saw the same sedan drive past his house moments before the shocking theft.
“They see the FedEx, they u-turn and then they come up the block and come right in front of the FedEx,” he said.
Even odder — moments after the theft, Henry said he received a mysterious phone call from an unknown number asking him to return the six phones that were just stolen.
He explained what happened to the caller but was immediately hung up on.
“That’s kind of weird too,” Henry said. “Both of them happened at the same time.”
In Pennsylvania, stealing packages from someone’s front steps could now be considered a felony offense, thanks to a law signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in December that was officially enacted in February.
Senate Bill 527 has enacted stricter penalties for repeat offenders and people who steal higher-value packages.
The law makes porch piracy a third-degree felony if the value of the stolen items exceeds $2,000 or the accused thief has two or more prior convictions for mail theft.
Any thief convicted under the law can face up to seven years in prison.
An estimated $6 billion worth of goods were stolen by porch pirates across the US in 2023, according to statistics released by home security tip company SafeWise.
An estimated 113 million packages were nabbed off doorsteps, which was a 5% increase from 2022.
Over half of all stolen packages were delivered by Amazon.
71% of all packages stolen were valued at $100 or less, according to SafeWise.
Pennsylvania
Cash reward offered for information leading to Pennsylvania cold case homicide resolution
LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A cash reward is being offered for anyone who has information surrounding a 2021 cold case homicide in Lebanon County.
The $2,000 reward is for anyone who has information that can solve the case of the death of 35-year-old Zachary Lauderman, according to State Police.
Lauderman was found dead with two gunshot wounds to his head in his home, located along Ulsh lane in Bethel Township Sept. 10 just before 3 p.m., according to Troopers.
Anyone who knows something is asked to contact PSP Tips at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477), or they can go online to submit a tip by clicking here.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Auto Show begins this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Philadelphia Auto Show is about to get underway at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
It kicks off this weekend, but on Thursday Mayor Cherelle Parker and auto show executives gave us a preview of all the fun.
Organizers say this will be one of the largest shows in its 123-year history.
Car enthusiasts will get a chance to see the latest lineup from manufacturers around the globe.
“With more manufacturers, the longest track, Camp Jeep back on display… there truly is something for everyone,” said Jeff Glanzmann of Glanzmann Subaru.
That also includes classic cars and Hollywood rides from favorite films and shows, all of which will be showcased on the 600,000 square foot exhibit floor.
The Auto Show opens to the public on Saturday and runs until Jan. 20.
6abc is a proud sponsor.
Don’t miss our Philadelphia Auto Show special, which airs Saturday at 7 p.m.
For tickets and more information, visit this page on 6abc.com.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Pennsylvania
Firefighters battle 2-alarm house fire in Chester, Pa., amid sub-freezing temperatures
Thursday, January 9, 2025 1:23PM
Firefighters in Chester, Pennsylvania, dealt with sub-freezing temperatures while battling the flames during a house fire.
CHESTER, Pa. (WPVI) — Firefighters in Chester, Pennsylvania, dealt with sub-freezing temperatures while battling the flames during a house fire.
Authorities say the fire broke out in a three-story twin home at 1 a.m. on Thursday in the 200 block of West 7th Street. It grew to two alarms before firefighters were able to get it under control.
Help arrived from first responders in neighboring communities in Delaware County.
Officials said they don’t know what sparked it yet.
No injuries have been reported.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
-
Business1 week ago
These are the top 7 issues facing the struggling restaurant industry in 2025
-
Culture1 week ago
The 25 worst losses in college football history, including Baylor’s 2024 entry at Colorado
-
Sports1 week ago
The top out-of-contract players available as free transfers: Kimmich, De Bruyne, Van Dijk…
-
Politics1 week ago
New Orleans attacker had 'remote detonator' for explosives in French Quarter, Biden says
-
Politics1 week ago
Carter's judicial picks reshaped the federal bench across the country
-
Politics5 days ago
Who Are the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
-
Health4 days ago
Ozempic ‘microdosing’ is the new weight-loss trend: Should you try it?
-
World1 week ago
Ivory Coast says French troops to leave country after decades