Child asked by woman to swipe package from Miami home, police say

MIAMI – Miami police say it’s a crime they have not seen before and a victim is now speaking to Local 10 News after a “porch pirate,” who could be as young as 5 years old, was caught on camera stealing a package from her home on Monday.

Authorities say the value of the package stolen was under $50, but how it was snatched has Miami police determined to track down the woman who gave the order.

Surveillance video shows the woman and child walking down the street in Miami’s Silver Bluff neighborhood when it appeared that the woman became interested in a package that was resting on the porch of a home in the area.

The victim, who asked to be identified only as Amelia, told Local 10 News that she wanted to inform the public about the incident and had posted the video on social media to alert other homeowners about the alleged crime.

Amelia said she checked her Ring camera video when she noticed the package, which she claimed had $40 worth of clothes inside, had not arrived at her home near Coral Way and Southwest 24th Avenue.

The child, who looked to be a boy between 5 to 7 years old, was wearing a red jogging suit and a white Beanie hat. He was with an adult wearing a hoodie at the time the incident was reported.

Initially, the boy was seen pointing at the package that had just been delivered saying ‘I got it. I got it, before fleeing the scene with the package in hand, according to Officer Michael Vega, who is also a spokesperson with the Miami Police Department.

Amelia said she remains in shock that a mother or guardian would instruct their child to help her commit a crime.

“She really should be ashamed,” she added. “I don’t think she’s fit to be a mother if she puts her child through this.”

Anyone with information on the woman and child involved in the incident is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305- 471-8477 or the Miami Police Department’s non-emergency number at 305-579-6111.