Cops: 3 teens stole packages in Franklin Square, Elmont

Vladimir Felix, left, Akil John, center, and John Lee, all... — Vladimir Felix, left, Akil John, center, and John Lee, all teenagers from Queens Village, were arrested after stealing UPS packages delivered to homes in Franklin Square and Elmont, Nassau police said. (Nov. 22, 2013) Credit: NCPD

November 23, 2013

Three Queens teenagers on bicycles trailed delivery trucks and stole packages off the front porches of homes in Franklin Square and Elmont, Nassau police said Saturday.

Detectives said the teens watched delivery drivers drop off the packages, then swooped in.

The suspects ripped open bags and boxes, keeping items they liked and dumping the rest around the neighborhood, police said.

Akil John, 16; John Lee, 16; and Vladimir Felix, 17; all of Queens Village, were arrested Friday afternoon in Franklin Square. Police did not disclose the circumstances of the arrests.

The suspects are being charged as adults with seven counts each of petty larceny. They were arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead and released without bail.

Authorities are urging shoppers this holiday season to have packages delivered to their work address or to a neighbor when they are not at home.

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