On Friday, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office asked for help from the public to catch reported porch pirates.
In its posting, on Facebook and Twitter, the Sheriff’s
Office noted that it had received several reports of package thefts during the week.
The Sheriff’s Office said that it is actively investigating the reports and has
suspects who it is investigating.
The Sheriff’s Office requested that anyone who has had
a package stolen fill out an online report at https://www.mycrimereport.us/.
And, if you have video of the theft to call the non-emergency number, (425)
407-3999, to report the theft. Please let the call taker know that you have
video of the incident.
Package theft has become an increasing problem as we
have relied on online shopping more over the years due to its convenience and
particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The holiday season is
a time of year when package theft prevention receives emphasis, but package
theft has become a year-round problem.
While there has been no magic technique to prevent
package theft, there are things you can do to reduce the chances of your
package being stolen from your front porch. Here is a reminder of actions you
can take,
- Ask
a trusted neighbor to pick up your package after delivery.
- Track
the package’s progress online. Then you know when it is delivered.
- Ask
to have the package placed on the back porch or out of sight on the front
porch.
- Have
the package delivered to a nearby UPS or FedEx package store or where you
work. Amazon also has lockers at select locations where you can have it
delivered.
- Install
a camera that covers your front porch. Make it visible to discourage
potential package thieves. A warning sign may also help.
- Consider
a device to protect your packages such as a locking box.
- Request
a signature on delivery. That way the delivery driver hands you the
package after they have received a signature. If you are not at home, they
will return on another day, or you can pick up the package at their
delivery facility.
- Participate
in Neighborhood Watch. Encourage your neighbors who stay at home to watch
out for suspicious activity such as vehicle following UPS, FedEx, Amazon, or
Postal Service delivery vehicles.
The fact that the Sheriff’s Office is seeking video
shows that it is an important tool that detectives can use to investigate package
theft. Letting the Sheriff’s Office know if you are victimized can help them
apprehend the suspects.
Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=266606635492775&set=a.226070289546410
Seattle PI:
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