2 arrested after allegedly selling stolen packages from West U residents to pawn shops, police say

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two women have been arrested after multiple reports of package thefts in the West U area over the weekend, according to the West University Police Department.

Police said that officers tracked the suspected vehicle's movements to the Memorial Villages area before conducting a traffic stop.

The two suspects, Tania Lisbeth Medrano and Mariela Reyes, were detained and taken to West University Place Jail.

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According to officials, Reyes had an active warrant, and Medrano was taken in for an immigration violation.

As police looked through the vehicle, several receipts from local pawn shops for reported stolen packages were found. Officials said the women then admitted to stealing the packages from porches in the West U area with plans to steal more.

Police said they found the women through surveillance footage and the Virtual Gate system.

"When they were stopped, both the driver and the passenger had outstanding warrants which they were detained for and brought to our station for further questioning for the package thefts. And when we did inventory of the car we had developing leads from pawnshop receipts which matched the description of some of the victim's items that were missing," West University Police office Katie Wilson said.

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Officers said they worked closely with the pawn shop to recover the stolen packages. Residents confirmed on social media that their items were returned.

Both women were charged with theft and placed on an immigration hold.

Wilson said with holiday gifts coming to porches, it's important you don't leave them out for long.

"If you're not going to be there we encourage you to contact family, friends, neighbors, to pick up those packages for you. And if you have cameras or lights at night it can help deter," Wilson said.

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