HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — An Amazon delivery driver is facing grand theft charges after he admitted to stealing packages and gift cards he was supposed to be delivering, according to authorities.
The sheriff's office says 22-year-old Ozcan Rodriguez Okur Junior stole nearly $900 in items and gifts cards between Oct. 24 and Nov. 27.
Deputies say Rodriguez Okur would mark the items as "missing." He admitted to stealing $250 in gifts cards, a Ring camera, Apple AirPods and a Playstation game, according to authorities.
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"We tell people all the time how to protect themselves from porch pirates, but it's especially upsetting when the person responsible for delivering the package to your doorstep takes advantage of your trust and the trust of their company," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We are thankful that all of the victims in this case were reimbursed by Amazon and that our deputies were able to take Rodriguez Okur off of the streets before he could pull another Grinch-like move and steal from anyone else this Christmas."
Rodriguez Okur is cooperating with deputies to recover the stolen items, the sheriff's office says. He is facing one charge for grand theft third degree.
Sheriff Chronister wants to remind online shoppers of ways to protect themselves by following these tips:
- Keep an electronic receipt for proof of purchase in order to be reimbursed.
- Track your delivery closely online to know when it should arrive at your door.
- Check home surveillance cameras, such as Ring doorbells, if packages don't arrive. Video evidence often helps law enforcement track down thieves.
