An alleged holiday “Grinch” accused of stealing packages off porches is facing felony charges thanks to an Aurora community police sting and a digital photo from a “quick-thinking witness.”

Moses V. Williamson, 28, of the 1100 block of South Fourth Street, Aurora, is facing two counts of felony theft after being caught in an undercover operation staged by Aurora community policing officers that targeted packages being swiped off porches after they were delivered by commercial delivery companies and/or the U.S. Postal Service.

Moses V. Williamson (CREDIT: Aurora Police Department)

Williamson is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail at the Kane County Correctional Center in St. Charles. He was arrested without incident around noon Monday, Dec. 12, after officers who were tailing him allegedly saw him take packages off of porches in the 100 block of North Root Street and the first block of South Fourth Street on the Near East Side.

Williamson, who police believe is connected to several similar incidents, surfaced as a suspect when a quick-thinking witness spotted someone committing similar thefts Dec. 5 on the Near South East Side.

The witness took a photo of the vehicle being driven by the suspect which showed the license plate number. The vehicle being driven by Williamson when he was arrested was the same as in the photos taken by the witness. The investigation into other incidents with which he may be connected is continuing.

Aurora police have seen a spate of packages being stolen across the city in recent weeks. It is not unusual for these type of crimes to spike during the holidays simply because the supply of delivered packages greatly increases. Aurora police believe there may be several thieves pulling off similar crimes and plan on conducting additional undercover details through the holiday season in association with the delivery companies and the Postal Service.

Police recommend taking the opportunity away from thieves by scheduling any package deliveries for times when someone is home to accept them or ask a trusted neighbor to receive the merchandise. Persons can also take advantage of services offered by some delivery companies that include delivery time windows or package delivery notifications via text. Still others accept special instructions including delivery to a back porch.

Police are likewise applauding an increasing number of witnesses who are taking photos of suspicious persons or vehicles that are in the act of criminal activity before they call 911. They say that, as long as witnesses don’t put themselves in danger when they see crimes being committed, the photos close the gap of response time because frequently, criminals have left the scene by the time police arrive. The pictures depict real-time proof of a crime being committed and offer valuable evidence from which leads can be quickly established.

The charges against Williamson are not proof of guilt. He is presumed innocent and is entitled to fair trials in which it is the state’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

SOURCE: Aurora Police Department news release