West Valley couple gets stolen wedding items back

A West Valley City couple says a woman tried to steal their wedding and it happened in broad daylight. Police arrested 34-year-old Amanda Johnson for third degree felony theft. A surveillance video and Facebook put the alleged thief behind bars.

"Now we're finally tieing the knot," said theft victim Frank Palraj.

The happily engaged West Valley couple, Frank and Kait, plans to get married next weekend in Hawaii on Valentine's Day. It wasn't just wedding jitters getting in the way. The couple was waiting for packages to arrive before the big day.

"Some shoes for Kait's bridesmaids and my suit," said Palraj.

He got an alert on his phone they arrived.

"So I came home and noticed the packages weren't there. I cued through my surveillance videos," said Palraj.

This is what Frank found. You can see this dark haired white woman get out of a truck, grab their packages off the front porch, and take off.

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"I was shocked, actually by the audacity. It's like a brazen crime; just walk up to someone's porch and take their packages," said Palraj.

To make matters worse, Frank and Kait aren't the only victims. West Valley City police say package theft is on the rise across the country.

"We're looking at criminals who actually follow around and look for opportunities to steal packages," said West Valley City Police Spokesperson Roxeanna Vainuku.

Frank called Nordstroms and told them what happened. Oddly enough, the woman who stole his suit returned it for cash.

"They don't usually prosecute but they have enough evidence in this case that they will go after it. And she deserves it because it's a senseless crime to me," said Palraj.

According to police, returning stolen items is pretty common for crooks.

"People are just looking for a little bit of quick cash. If what's in that box ends up being worthless to them, they're not out anything, you are," said Vainuku,

Frank's fiance posted the surveillance video on Facebook. After 80-thousand views and 13 hours, a tip lead police right to Amanda Johnson.

"She told police she was bored and jealous. Bored? That's just stupid. And jealous? She doesn't even know me," said Palraj.

Now, Frank has a new suit and the replacement bridesmaids shoes are on the way and the wedding is back on track.

"I'm looking forward to nice weather, a nice good time, and spending the rest of my life with the woman I love," said Palraj.

Amanda Johnson now faces third degree felony theft because police say she has a prior criminal history. Police also say to have your packages delivered to your job or a family member. Try to make sure someone is there to pick up the packages and don't let them sit out in plain sight.

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