Ft. Bragg soldier heartbroken after porch pirate takes grandfather's cherished World War I artifacts

Video shows the moment a porch pirate stole some very sentimental items from a Fort Bragg soldier.

The thief took a package from a man's home containing World War I memorabilia from his great grandfather. This unfolded in the middle of the day.

The soldier said he'd do anything to get those items back.

"Got his original dog tag here with his service number on the back," said Capt. Benjamin White.

White has been a soldier for seven years, but his military connection stretches back to World War I. His great grandfather George White served in the Army during World War I. He cherishes the pictures of him in the Army Tank Corps.

But last Wednesday while at work at Fort Bragg, his security camera sent an alert. He watched helplessly as a woman approached his home on Spring Street in Fayetteville.

"I saw her walk on up to my porch and take a very valuable package from me that consisted of my great grandfather's World War I memorabilia," White said.

He's posted the video online. Neighbors describe the vehicle in the video as a blue Porsche Cayenne. Footage showed the driver get out of the vehicle, run up the walkway to the house, grab the package and make her getaway. She wasn't even phased when the security camera whistled at her.

The theft took about 30 seconds. Capt. White said in that time, a lifetime of memories was stolen.

"My great grandfather's original helmet, boots, medical bags, gas mask bag and of course, I think his duffel bag, his rucksack," White said.

His family in St. Louis shipped the items to him in a Chewy pet box on purpose.

"We thought that would be less likely to be stolen," White said.

Capt. White hopes whoever opened the box didn't throw away some of his family’s important memories.

A whistle from the security camera did nothing to stop the crook. The homeowner is hoping a reward will help bring his grandfather's memorabilia back.

Authorities are asking residents who live in the neighborhood near Spring and Hay streets to check their security cameras on Jan. 18 and look for the blue Porsche used in the theft.

Anyone with information should contact Fayetteville police.