Sandy police arrest 7 suspects in porch thefts

SANDY, Utah (KUTV) — Officers with the Sandy City Police Department arrested seven people accused of stealing packages off of front porches.

The investigation started after police saw several posts, in a short period of time, from residents on social media, so they set out to locate the suspect’s vehicle.

Carson Woods said he had a package stolen off his porch.

“It’s honestly just frustrating and shocking,” he said.

Woods said a thief made off with something he was waiting for, but can do without adding.

“I was like, ‘I hope the protein shakes were worth it,’” he said.

Woods reported the theft right away to police.

“I had a theory that I thought they could be following the truck or something, because it was really weird how close they came after the truck did,” Woods said.

A lot of people have doorbell cameras that capture thieves, but the complex that Woods lives in also has surveillance cameras all over.

“I think when you’re looking at having packages delivered, it’s a really easy crime, if you stop and think about it,” said Sgt. Greg Moffitt.

Moffitt said the victims appeared to have been picked at random but investigators are looking into if the suspects are part of a bigger crime spree.

“We did end up with a total of seven people that were involved with this case, so it potentially could have been an organized effort between those seven,” Moffitt said.

As for Woods, he said the lost protein shakes were a lesson to have his packages sent to a safer location from now on.

“I’ve honestly had more valuable stuff shipped here lately. I’d rather not have something that’s more valuable get stolen,” he said.

Police said all the missing packages were recovered and recommend if this happens to you, to post a video to social media early so they can begin investigating.