PUGET SOUND- Package Theft

While I have not heard of reports of package theft so far during this holiday season in South Snohomish County, the following two items show that it is going on in our region:

• According to the Seattle Police Blotter, on December 7, a white Toyota van was associated with four suspects stealing packages from front porches in West Seattle. One victim called 911 at around 11:43am, to report that a male suspect had just stolen a package from her front porch and entered a white Toyota van. Later in the day, around 3:30pm, another homeowner reported a package stolen from their front porch. This time a female suspect was seen stealing the package and getting into a white Toyota van. Minutes after the second report, an officer spotted the suspect vehicle. Four suspects, 3 males and 1 female were arrested. SPD Blotter- http://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2012/12/07/four-grinches-who-tried-to-steal-christmas-dont-make-it-far/
• KING 5 TV reported that a package thief took Christmas gifts that had been left at a Renton home by Federal Express and left empty boxes in their place. The homeowner reviewed video from the cameras in the front of her house and called 911. The video revealed a white SUV backed up to the front of the house with the driver’s side door open. A male, wearing blue jeans, a blue coat and and hat, made his way around the back of the SUV. Renton police are looking for this suspect. KING 5 TV- http://www.king5.com/news/cities/renton/Thief-steals-Christmas-gifts-replaced-with-empty-boxes-182824741.html

 

Note: To prevent delivered packages from being stolen, try these actions:

• Have the package delivered to a trusted neighbor who is usually at home or have them pick up the package as soon as it is delivered from your house.
• Have the package placed on your back porch by the delivery driver.
• If possible, have the package delivered to your work.
• Encourage your neighbors to watch for suspicious people in your neighborhood and to watch for vehicles that seem to be following a UPS, FEDEX, or postal vehicle. If they see anything suspicious have them call 911.
• Track your package delivery online. This way you will know when your package was delivered.