Northport Woman Arrested After Stealing Several Packages From Porches Across Tuscaloosa, Alabama
A Northport woman was taken into custody Thursday after she was suspected of stealing multiple packages from people's porches over the last several months.
Back in August, investigators with the Tuscaloosa Police Department first received reports of a blonde-haired woman stealing packages and leaving in a Honda Pilot.
The thefts occurred on Seventh Avenue, Ninth Avenue and Homewood Drive near the University of Alabama campus, University Gardens near Cottondale and The Townes of North River.
Many victims were able to show surveillance video of the incidents, and investigators indicated the same suspect had been targeting different locations across the area.
Officers identified Ashley Nicole Hall, 34, as the suspect. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division received a tip Thursday morning that Hall was driving west on US Highway 11. She was taken into custody at a gas station later that day.
“These are the kinds of cases that were nearly impossible to solve before people had home surveillance cameras,” said TPD commander Capt. Kip Hart. “Social media and neighborhood app groups were also a great help. The victims were able to post their videos and alert their neighbors, who were able to pull their own footage that helped with our investigation.”
Hall was charged with five counts of fourth-degree theft related to the packages. She is also facing additional charges related to prior cases cases investigated by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
She could face additional charges as the investigation continues. She was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail, pending bond.
“A lot of investigators with both agencies were involved in bringing these cases to a successful conclusion,” Hart said. “That cooperation led to the arrest today. Hopefully we’ll be able to return some of the stolen property to the victims.”
Taylor said TPD continues to receive similar theft reports, and they encourage anyone who may have been a victim to contact TPD or file an online report here.