A Southwest Miami-Dade homeowner is hoping to identify a porch pirate that was caught on camera stealing the gifts she collected for needy families this holiday season.
A doorbell camera captured the brazen thief in broad daylight Dec. 13 swiping packages from Angie Medina's home near Southwest 97th Avenue and Sunset Drive.
"It's like the Grinch, right? The Grinch is trying to steal Christmas," Medina said. "We're trying to do a positive thing during this holiday time to bring people together ... With so much good we're trying to do in the world here is somebody doing the polar opposite."
Medina organizes a charity called Santa's Helpers, which provides gifts and clothing to dozens of underprivileged families every year during Christmas. Some people drop off donations at Medina's home, which are then presented to families at an annual picnic at the park.
The thief not only stole from Medina, but he also took packages from another neighbor's home.
Medina is now focusing on how she can replace the stolen items in time for Sunday's picnic event.
"We really want to make it a special day and put this behind us and move forward," she said.
Local
Anyone who recognizes the thief should call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
