Authorities in Mobile, Alabama, were left stunned after apprehending a “porch pirate” whose bold disguise had deputies questioning whether they were pursuing a Halloween prankster or a seasoned criminal.
The suspect, 46-year-old Todd Anthony Bond, was arrested early Friday morning following a string of daylight package thefts captured on home surveillance cameras.
Bond had been linked to multiple thefts not only in Alabama but also across neighboring Mississippi.
Homeowners shared footage showing a suspect casually pulling into driveways, walking to porches and scooping up packages—all while dressed in women’s clothing.
In one instance, Bond was seen pausing to take a puff from a vape before loading multiple parcels into a black Ford Escape.
The elaborate disguise initially left deputies puzzled.
“A couple of things that kind of stuck out to us that helped solve this crime was the vehicle,” Sergeant Lonnie Parsons of the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office explained, according to WKRG.
“Obviously, the more important thing was this person’s particular look. With Halloween coming up, we were trying to figure out whether this was a costume or this is how they normally dress.”
Bond, a Mississippi resident recently released from prison six months prior, returned to Alabama, where deputies had received a tip about his whereabouts.
Officers conducted a traffic stop in Grand Bay around 1 a.m. Friday and found Bond still in the feminine attire, including a floral print skirt, black blouse and a purple headband holding back shoulder-length bleached hair.
“When we approached and placed the suspect in custody, we checked the vehicle,” Parsons said. “Lo and behold, we found the packages that had been reported stolen from Mobile-area homes.”
Bond’s booking photo mirrored the look in the surveillance videos, complete with makeup, lipstick and bleached hair.
Police confirmed that the recovered packages matched items reported missing from multiple residences earlier in the week, according to the New York Post.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Bond is trans-identifying or was simply using the disguise to avoid detection.
Parsons noted that deputies had been lying in wait after learning that Bond may have returned to the state, a strategy that ultimately led to his capture.
Bond remains in Metro Jail as of Tuesday, awaiting legal proceedings.
Social media quickly erupted after news of Bond’s arrest spread, with users reacting to the bizarre and deliberate nature of the thefts.
One X user wrote, “What in the actual F? This screams mental illness from start to finish.”
Another commented on Bond’s leisurely demeanor: “The way he takes his time, no rush at all… he’s such a typical woman.”
Some poked fun at his audacity, with one user noting, “Looks like this porch pirate forgot the golden rule of delivery crime: never take your loot on a road trip. Todd Bond turned his car into a traveling Amazon warehouse. Maybe next time he’ll realize that crime doesn’t come with free shipping or easy returns.”
Others were bluntly critical: “Good grief! Stupid really does have no bounds, huh?”
Deputies praised the combination of community tips and home security footage for helping them quickly identify and apprehend the suspect, while authorities reminded residents to stay vigilant, especially during the holiday season when porch thefts typically spike.
Criminals often use disguises or blend into neighborhoods to avoid detection, but in this case, the ruse didn’t last long.
For Bond, the elaborate setup ended with him behind bars rather than enjoying Halloween festivities.
This case underscores the inventive tactics used by modern porch pirates and the importance of community cooperation in stopping property crimes.
Officials urge homeowners to maintain surveillance and report suspicious activity promptly to prevent further thefts and ensure public safety.
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