Teens caught allegedly stealing packages from porches in Pasco Co.

WESLEY CHAPEL (FOX 13) - A pair of teens were arrested in Pasco County Monday after being caught in the act stealing packages from outside people's homes.

It happened in the Seven Oaks community in Wesley Chapel. Tyler Finn, who heads up the crime watch there, said he spotted them in the act.

"You hate to see young kids make bad decisions. Who knows what was going through their heads? I just hope they learn from this," he said.

Deputies have been warning about so-called "porch-pirates" for some time now. They're urging residents to have trusted neighbors pick up their packages so they don't sit unattended.

They also say it's not a bad idea to have the shipping company hold your item so you can pick It up later.

Another piece of advice: "Lock your car doors. They look inside for packages, big boxes, anything they can see," said detective Brock Henderson with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.

As for the arrested teens, deputies say they confessed to the crimes and officials were able to recover and return the stolen property.