Suspect arrested for second time in Irvine package thefts

Police said they arrested for the second time this month a man they believe cruised through Irvine neighborhoods and stole packages from the doorsteps of homes.

Anthony Palusso, 30, was taken into custody Wednesday after a resident reported his license plate number after watching a man steal a package, according to the Irvine Police Department.

Police did not list Palusso’s city of residence.

Police allege that Palusso would drive through neighborhoods looking for packages and quickly hop out of the car to take a box before driving off to look for the next target. This typically would happen between noon and 5 p.m., after packages had been delivered and before residents arrived home from work, police said.

After receiving the license plate tip Wednesday, police pulled over Palusso, searched his vehicle and found parcels believed to have been stolen from homes, authorities said.

He was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor petty theft and possession of stolen property.

Police had arrested Palusso about two weeks earlier after an officer said he saw him stealing packages from homes in Irvine on April 10.

Palusso was awaiting a court date in that case when he was arrested Wednesday, police said.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck