Porch Pirate Apprehended After Residents Compile Doorbell Footage Dossier

A prolific porch pirate, responsible for a months-long spree of package thefts in the affluent Parsons Green neighborhood of west London, has been apprehended after residents compiled a comprehensive collection of doorbell camera footage. Ronald De-St-Aubin, 61, targeted homeowners, stealing parcels that included wine, champagne, and designer clothing.

The residents, frustrated by the repeated thefts, had taken to referring to De-St-Aubin as 'our thief.' The situation escalated in July when homeowners began sharing Ring doorbell footage and still images with the Metropolitan Police, documenting De-St-Aubin taking packages from their doorsteps. Initially, the police stated that there was insufficient evidence to make an arrest.

De-St-Aubin's activity became known to residents on July 17, when Charlie Evans observed him taking three boxes of wine and champagne, valued at £500, from her property. Despite her efforts to reschedule the delivery due to her absence, DHL had left the packages, which were then stolen. Evans shared an image of the suspect on a resident WhatsApp group, prompting immediate responses from neighbors who reported being victims as well. This collective effort led to the amassing of evidence, including images of De-St-Aubin's attire and distinctive tattoos.

On the same day as the wine and champagne theft, De-St-Aubin also stole a parcel from Vinted containing an Isabel Marant designer jacket valued at £60. Weeks later, on August 10, police responded to a 999 call regarding him snatching another package containing a £150 ceiling light, but he managed to evade capture.

His other thefts included a parcel from H&M containing £196 worth of children's clothing and an Arket parcel with £195.40 worth of children's clothes, stolen on August 8. On September 5, he stole a parcel containing cosmetics, a kitchen product, and a DVD. He was arrested two days later.

Appearing at Isleworth Crown Court, De-St-Aubin initially denied six charges of theft. However, after Judge Martin Edwards reviewed the doorbell footage, he questioned the defendant's barrister. De-St-Aubin subsequently changed his plea and pleaded guilty to all six charges. The judge remarked on the defendant's decision to plead guilty as sensible given the evidence, expressing concern about when the offenses would cease.

De-St-Aubin has been remanded in custody until October 28 for pre-sentencing reports. The court also noted that he had received an 18-month community order on June 16 for previous offenses.