Barrie police have charged an alleged porch pirate after they were alerted Thursday afternoon that a man had removed a package from the porch of a home on Wellington Street East, just east of Bayfield Street.
Police said the suspect was located near a business in the area and was in the process of opening the package he was accused of stealing.
A 46-year-old Barrie resident was charged with theft under $5,000. He was released with a court date in December.
Police told the owner of the package that their parcel was recovered.
"Barrie police wish to thank the public for their active participation in this incident yesterday afternoon and remind the public that many occurrences involving porch pirates do not often end with the owner receiving their stolen package back. Homeowners are reminded that this type of theft can be prevented if a secure delivery box is available or a nearby neighbour can retrieve any delivered items in your absence," police said in a news release.