Owen Sound police were able to track down a so-called "porch pirate" after an item reported stolen from a local home was posted for sale online.
On Monday, May 8, police say an Owen Sound resident had an Amazon package delivered, but before he could retrieve it, someone had taken it from the front of his home. The item was reportedly worth about $350.
The item inside the package was "uniquely identifiable," according to police, which led the victim to begin a search of various online marketplaces to see if it was listed for sale. Sure enough it was, and the victim reported the matter to Owen Sound police.
An officer posed online as an interested buyer as part of the investigation. On May 14, arrangements were made for the alleged "buyer" to pick up the item at a neutral meeting place in downtown Owen Sound.
When the suspect arrived at the location, he was met by police and placed under arrest. The stolen property was recovered by officers.
As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old Owen Sound man was charged with theft, trafficking stolen goods, and possession of stolen goods for the purpose of trafficking.
He will appear in court in June to speak to the charges.