Brazen burglary caught on camera on Long Island

NEW YORK – A brazen broad daylight burglary in Huntington has shocked local residents as a thief was caught on camera casually entering a home and stealing a recently delivered iPhone.

Maple Place resident John Scappaticci thought his new iPhone had been delivered safely after receiving confirmation from FedEx. Her grandmother even brought the package inside. But a few minutes later it was stolen.

“She thought I was coming to work because I forgot something like I always do,” Scappaticci said. “She sees someone else walking down the aisle with the phone in their hand.”

Surveillance footage showed the suspect getting out of a minivan, opening the front door and leaving with the package.

“The fact that they just walked into the house blew me away,” Scappaticci said.

Scappatici was not the only victim. Hours later, Linda Learned, who lives nearby, had an Apple Watch stolen from her porch shortly after it was delivered.

Authorities are investigating whether the thieves are more technologically savvy than initially thought.

“If someone has hacked your email or phone, they may be receiving these alerts,” said Lance Ulanoff, editor-in-chief of Tech Radar.

Here are some tips to prevent theft: require a signature for delivery and, if you are not home, coordinate with neighbors to collect the package.

Another option is a porch safe that is large enough to hold most packages and can only be opened by the person who has the code or key.

FedEx, for its part, says it is “working with law enforcement to investigate and deter such activities.” And they “regularly remind our team members of the importance of personal and package safety.”

The Suffolk County Police Department confirms to Fox 5 that they are investigating.