News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Local police departments said to beware of porch pirates this holiday season as presents arrive on doorsteps and in mailboxes.
Livingston Police Chief Ray Smith said those looking to steal packages are more active this time of year. Smith said from the cases he has seen porch pirates like to target high residential areas.
“At this time of year, everybody is shopping and technology nowadays everybody is getting packages delivered and everybody is in a busy world so they got to get them to their homes,” Smith said. “I just think that they go in these dense residential areas and just ride around and see if there are any packages delivered.”
McMinnville Police Department Detective Sergeant Katelyn Cannon said so far the department has not had many reports of stolen packages but she does not doubt that it happens in McMinnville. Cannon said she believes porch pirates will seek any chance they can to steal a package.
“I think that these guys seek opportunity and so when that opportunity presents itself I think that is when the crime happens,” Cannon said. “I don’t particularly think it is a particular city or a particular area.”
Cannon said if you have had a package stolen the best thing to do is call your local police department as some porch pirates may carry some form of weapon. Smith said the best preventative measure is to track the package and have someone take the package inside as soon as it is delivered.
“Most places now when they do deliver it gives you a notification,” Smith said. “Call your neighbor, call your friend, call someone to go by and go ahead and get it and secure that package so that way it is not left out there for someone to take away from you.”
Smith also said some delivery services have an option to schedule a time when you want the package delivered or an option to pick it up at the store. Cannon said installing a security camera won’t completely prevent your package from being stolen but it could be very helpful.
“They’ve got so many out now that it is easy to get ahold of a doorbell camera or a type of wireless camera,” Cannon said. ” I push those a lot. They help us out in being able to solve the case.”
For some shipping companies, you can file a claim using your tracking number and describe the details of the theft. In some cases, retailers will replace the item.
Smith said people caught stealing packages can be fined or even serve jail depending on how much was stolen. Smith said it is best to air on the side of caution this holiday season as having an expensive package stolen can be tough on any person.
