Watch: CCTV captures 'porch pirate' stealing £200 of electrical goods from Doncaster doorstep

The so-called ‘porch pirate’ can be seen on Ring doorbell footage stamping on the box, ripping it open and then stuffing the contents – including games and electrical items totalling more than £200 – into a carrier bag and walking off.

The clip shows the man returning to the doorstep on a number of further occasions over the following days , leaving rubbish and the empty box inside the porch.

Police are now investigating the incident, which took place in Mexborough earlier this month.

The householder who captured the clip on camera and who has asked not to be named, said: “I've been suffering on going anti-social behaviour for years and was recently the victim of a porch pirate.

"A large parcel that was on my back enclosed porch and not visible to the street was ripped apart and the contents stolen.

"I want to make the public aware to avoid this individual at all costs.

“Crime in Mexborough and Doncaster is unbelievable and it needs to stop. It's becoming unsafe to leave your home visit local shops and community without fear.”

The footage shows a man with thinning hair in a dark blue-turquoise jacket and dark trousers approaching the parcel, with a brown coloured dog on a lead.

After inspecting the parcel, he then stamps on it in an attempt to break it open.

Failing to do so, he then starts ripping at the box, grunting and puffing as he does so.

After managing to force his way into the package, he is filmed scattering its contents, along with its protective packaging, which begins to blow around the garden.

Looking around, the man returns with a grubby plastic bag and begins shovelling the contents of the box into it, struggling to keep his booty inside it as the bag overflows and constantly having to repack items which have fallen out.

Despite the house displaying a sticker in the door window advising that the property is equipped with Ring CCTV, the brazen thief is then seen returning to the house a number of times over the coming days – but leaving the empty box standing in the porch.

Police have confirmed an investigation has been launched into the incident which took place on October 13.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said officers were investigating a case of theft and added: “The victim states that he left a parcel on his doorstep for Royal Mail to collect and a man has opened the package and stole items from within it.”

“It is under investigation at the moment.”

Anyone wanting to report crime and anti-social behaviour in Doncaster and across South Yorkshire, should contact South Yorkshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity CrimeStoppers through their UK call centre to report information in confidence by calling 0800 555 111.