After attempting to steal Christmas from people in central Arkansas, two porch pirates taken into custody

Little Rock, Arkansas – A few weeks before Christmas, two ladies were detained on suspicion of stealing packages off the porches of homes in central Arkansas. They were then charged with eighteen charges of property theft.

Danielle Babcock, 23, and Kaylyn Jenkins, 20, of Mabelvale, were apprehended by Benton police on Wednesday after a witness at Hurricane Lake Estates saw them disposing of empty delivery boxes.

The neighborhood witness saw Babcock and Jenkins fleeing, but they were apprehended by Saline County deputies on North Sardis Road shortly after, according to the police.

The suspects were charged with several counts of theft and a felony of using someone else’s property without permission in order to commit a crime when they were brought into the Saline County jail.

According to officials, Benton police officers gathered the stolen goods and empty cartons and gave them back to their rightful owners.

“If you can’t be home for a delivery, arrange for a trusted friend or neighbor to hold your packages for you or have the packages shipped to the post office or other holding facility when the option is available,” said Benton police Capt. Eric Haworth. “You can also request a signature with many companies. Delivery services have gotten very precise with their notifications, but all of these tips will go a long way in preventing your packages from being stolen.”

Detectives with the Benton Police Department are asking anybody who believes they may have had packages taken from their Hurricane Lakes Estates neighborhood house or has information that could aid in the investigation to call (501) 776-5947.