Amazon Delivery Driver Filmed Stealing Family Cat in Shocking Doorbell Footage
A family in West Yorkshire has been reunited with their beloved pet cat after a distressing ordeal involving an Amazon delivery driver who was captured on camera brazenly stealing the animal from their doorstep. The incident, which occurred in Elland near Halifax, has prompted a police investigation and raised serious questions about delivery personnel conduct.
The Disturbing Footage That Revealed the Crime
Carl Crowther issued a desperate appeal for his cat Nora after reviewing footage from his Ring doorbell camera that showed a delivery man in a high-visibility jacket picking up the small dark-coloured cat during a package delivery on Sunday afternoon. The timestamped video, recorded at approximately 2:30pm, clearly shows the man bending down near the front door of the Park Avenue property before standing up with Nora in his right hand.
The delivery driver then calmly walks back toward his vehicle with the cat, disappearing from view and leaving the family devastated when they discovered their pet was missing. Mr Crowther described experiencing "total shock and disbelief" upon viewing the footage, particularly concerning as Nora requires regular medication for an existing health condition.
Police Investigation and Happy Reunion
West Yorkshire Police confirmed they received a report of the cat theft on Monday 19 January and have since recorded the incident as a crime of theft. In a positive update, officers announced that Nora had been successfully located and returned safely to her relieved owners.
"The cat has since been located and returned to its owner," a police statement confirmed. "A crime of theft has been recorded and inquiries remain ongoing." Mr Crowther expressed that his family were "over the moon" with Nora's safe return and thanked the community for their support during the worrying episode.
Timeline of Events and Family's Response
The incident unfolded when Mr Crowther had been expecting a delivery from Zara for his daughter on Sunday 18 January. Having left for work at 1:30pm, he was absent when the delivery occurred an hour later. Initially unconcerned about Nora's whereabouts as she is an outdoor cat who "knows her way home," concern grew when she failed to return by the following morning.
It was only upon checking the doorbell footage that the family discovered the shocking truth. "Low and behold, I saw this delivery man come down the path with the parcel in his hand," Mr Crowther recounted. "He doesn't get a response at the door as no one was in so he looks for somewhere safe to put the parcel. He's then clocked the cat."
The distressed owner added: "It's absolutely disgusting. He was there for over six minutes. He comes right up to the door, picks up the cat, turns around and walks off." Mr Crowther immediately contacted police via the 101 non-emergency number and reported the incident to Amazon, who confirmed they are investigating the matter.
Amazon's Response and Ongoing Investigation
Amazon has acknowledged the serious incident, with a spokesperson confirming the company is investigating and has been in direct contact with both Mr Crowther and the police. It is understood that the driver involved was not directly employed by Amazon but worked for a subsidiary company, raising questions about vetting procedures and training standards within the delivery network.
The case highlights growing concerns about delivery personnel behaviour as doorbell cameras become increasingly common in British households. While most delivery interactions are routine, this incident demonstrates how technology can capture criminal acts that might otherwise go unreported or unresolved.
West Yorkshire Police continue their investigation into the theft, while the Crowther family celebrates having their cherished pet safely back home after a traumatic 48-hour separation that began with what should have been a routine package delivery.
