Alleged metro porch pirate caught after victims set up sting in parking lot

EDMOND, Okla (KFOR) — A metro couple took matters into their own hands to catch a suspected porch pirate.

It started as a simple $5 Facebook Marketplace sale for some lanyards but quickly turned into a case of porch piracy.

"He was just supposed to basically leave it under the mat and take only those items," said Minde Lynn, who had boxes stolen from her porch.

Lynn says that's not what happened, she claims Blake Watts took the lanyards and also helped himself to the Amazon boxes on the porch without leaving any cash behind.

"I was really, really surprised that somebody would be that bold. We've been doing porch pickups for probably about 14, 15 years. I've never had anybody steal anything, I've never had anybody not pay for anything," said Lynn.

Once the Lynn's realized their stuff was stolen, they checked Facebook, only to find Watts had blocked them.

They got creative to get answers. A family member stepped in, found his account, and saw that he was buying items on the marketplace.

"I had messaged Grandma and thankfully she agreed to buy the antique mirror from him and meet up at Taco Bell in Edmond and we just kind of notified Edmond police from there and they showed up and kind of helped us out," said Lynn.

Edmond Police blocked Watts's car and took him into custody wearing the same clothes he was during the theft.

Inside the truck, officers spotted the stolen property, including, the lanyards and over $200 worth of computer accessories.

Police say Watts made several unsolicited statements, saying that he thought the Amazon boxes were free and that he must have been confused.

While taking him to the Edmond Detention Center, Watts apologized for lying and verbally admitted to taking the items from the victim's home. He also said he already sold two gun holsters, which were in the boxes on the porch.

The 28-year-old told officers he was selling stolen property to pay for new teeth.

In addition, he admitted to theft from another residence, a necklace, which he sold to a friend for $15, and also stole from “some lady out in Choctaw.”

Edmond Police says this is a reminder to be cautious when using Facebook Marketplace.

"It's always a good idea to meet in a neutral place, a public place," said Emily Ward, public information officer with the Edmond Police Department.

Lynn says they will no longer be doing porch pick-ups and will utilize safe spots in town.

Ward also suggests that if you experience theft, call the police immediately.

"Let them handle it for you, that's always the safest route. In this situation, it went the way our victim wanted, but it could have turned out very differently," said Ward.