Little Girl Made to Snatch Present in Johnson City

Johnson City Police say a man is under arrest after surveillance footage from a home in the Village captured a grown man and little girl walking back and forth in front of the house December 17 then the little girl running on the porch and grabbing a package that had just been delivered.

The family had been away from the house but had gotten a message from the shipper that a package had been delivered at around 5:30 p.m.  When they got home and found no package, they reviewed the surveillance footage and said they were shocked by what they saw: a little girl dashing onto the porch then looking shocked when the light came on and the family dog began barking.  She is seen grabbing the package and running after the man who left her there when the light came on.

Police have not released the man’s name and say the little girl is not going to be charged.

There is no information as to whether the suspect and child are related and where the child is now.

The package, containing a gift for the family’s 8 year old son, has been recovered and is expected to be returned to them.

Police caution people, not only this time of the year but any time, to take precautions. Contact shippers to have deliveries that are not made in plain view, delivery to a work address or to a trusted neighbor or P.O. address.

Even something as stupid as a $30 "Joy of 'Cooking" book can be stolen off a porch.