caught on camera

‘If I Were You, I'd Put That Down': Tough-Talking Homeowner Catches Package Thief Red-Handed

Alhambra police released the cellphone video in hopes someone can help identify the thief

A would-be package thief had some explaining to do when a tough-talking Alhambra, California, homeowner confronted her in his front yard. Their exchange was captured on cellphone video.

The man had just arrived home about 4:40 p.m. Tuesday when he saw a woman walk up to his front door, pick up two packages and do an about-face, the Alhambra Police Department said. That's when he turned on his camera and came face-to-face with her.

"You know I live here?" the homeowner calmly tells the alleged thief, who, after being caught red-handed, is forced to come up with an excuse on the spot.

"If I were you, I'd put that down," the homeowner tells her sternly.

"Why?" the thief replies with a shrug. "My mother lives here."

"Because those are my stuff - I live here," he says. "This is my house."

The woman sticks to her story, telling the man he doesn't live there — until he threatens to call police.

"Take your s--- then," she says, dropping the boxes and storming off.

Police released the cellphone video in hopes someone can help identify the woman, who was wearing a red top, dark sunglasses and had distinctive tattoos on her right arm. Anyone with information was asked to call 626-308-4875.

Contact Us