RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office has reported a troubling rise in cellphone thefts – cellphones that are stolen shortly after their delivery. Detective Christian Wrather has noted that these thefts are occurring at homes throughout Rutherford County and similar incidents are being reported in nearby communities.

“If you order a phone online, try to make arrangements to be home to accept delivery if possible,” advised Detective Wrather. The popular iPhone and Samsung brands are particularly targeted by thieves.

Detective Wrather is currently investigating three reported thefts in Rutherford County and is collaborating with other police departments to understand the broader pattern of these crimes. Similar thefts have also been reported by Hendersonville Police in recent months.

Many of these thefts have been captured on doorbell cameras and other home surveillance systems, with suspects often making little effort to hide their identity. Despite the clear footage, the perpetrators have not yet been apprehended and remain at large.

In one notable incident in Rutherford County, a suspect was caught on camera stealing a phone from a home in a subdivision off Barfield-Crescent Road. Investigators have released a still image from the video footage, showing the suspect believed to be responsible.

Residents who have not yet had their cellphone stolen, are encouraged to report any information about these suspects to Detective Wrather at 615-904-3093.

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.