A man police nicknamed “the porch pirate” has appeared in court after he stole Amazon parcels from across Sydenham and Forest Hill.  

Luke Evans, 35, of Paddock Close in Sydenham, stole deliveries from porches, doorsteps and hiding spots in order to fund his heroin addiction. 

He was eventually caught by doorbell footage which showed him swooping in to steal packages shortly after they were delivered, Woolwich Crown Court heard. 

He stole at least 12 Amazon packages, including one containing £1,000 worth of goods. 

Judge Nicholas Heathcote Williams KC said: “So prolific have you been in committing these offences that police described you as ‘the porch pirate’.” 

On Tuesday (April 9) he appeared at court for sentencing for eight burglaries and five thefts. 

He was also sentenced for possessing a folding pocket knife when he was arrested outside Starbucks near Sydenham Station. 

The court heard that Evans had resorted to stealing to fund his drug habit, which had developed after a family tragedy. 

Before then he had worked in construction and carpentry, but later sold his tools to fund his addiction. 

Judge Heathcote Williams said: “This sort of burglary has such an inhibiting effect on people. Particularly vulnerable people who are reliant on deliveries because they can’t get out, then they cannot even get a package delivered to them without it getting stolen.” 

He sentenced Evans to an 11-month custodial sentence suspended for two years, citing the fact that Evans has taken steps to address his drug dependency. 

“I recognise that for the victims of this crime this must seem a lenient sentence, but it is critical in your interests and the interests of society that you have a chance to rehabilitate yourself,” Judge Heathcote Williams said.