Simple steps can give C.O. ‘porch pirates’ the boot
(Update: Adding video, comments from DCSO, Redmond police)
Police offer tips to keep deliveries safe as holiday shopping ramps up
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Due to the pandemic, now more than ever, the field for Black Friday shopping is switching from malls and shopping centers to couches and computers.
With the increase in convenience, however, comes the greater chance someone could steal your packages from in front of your door, before you get it inside.
Lt. William Bailey from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office told NewsChannel 21 this happens year-round.
However, with more people already doing online shopping this year, local law enforcement agencies are stepping up their awareness campaigns.
Both the Bend and Redmond police departments have posted messages to residents online this week, warning them about "porch pirates" this holiday season and offering tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
“But with holiday shopping going on now, until Christmas," Bailey said, "the targets of opportunity are likely going to increase.”
Redmond police Lt. Jesse Petersen, the agency's public information officer, said the department has an online reporting tool for crimes like package thefts.
“Because we want to know about it," Petersen said. "Because a lot of times, where we end up writing search warrants for places and we come across a lot of property, and it’s clear that this person shouldn’t have that property, and we've got to try to identify the owner for it.”
Here are some of the tips provided by Redmond police on how to protect your home deliveries from thieves:
- Have packages delivered to your work.
- Schedule deliveries when you will be home, so packages are not left unattended for long.
- If you are traveling, contact your mail provider and place a hold on your items for when you return.
- With permission, have your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend who you know will be home.
- Let a trusted neighbor know if you are not home and have ordered something, so they can secure it for you until you can pick it up.
- Require a signature from the company dropping the item off.
- Ask your carrier to place packages in an area that is out of plain view.
- Take advantage of “Ship to Store” options that many stores offer.
- Lockboxes can be used to protect packages.
- Monitor the area where packages are dropped off with security cameras.
According to Trump 80 million plus people will try and steal your packages, just like they stole the election. Please send money to Trumps imaginary 2nd term website and support a real “Merican” golfing hero. Sell the home and empty the bank accounts for the cause.
Cite your source for the “According to (President) Trump 80 Million plus people will try to steal your packages” comment, please. In the circle I run in, you would be referred to as an “Ankle”.
Has everyone in your circle also had their sense of humor surgically removed? Why didn’t they pull those sticks while y’all were under?
Blaming Trump for everything isn’t funny, that’s why.
Oh, my. Somebody’s pouting.
Why not? He blamed everyone else for everything.
Now that IS funny! LOL!
In my circle you’re a gullible Trump supporter who can’t comprehend a joke.
Not comprehending a joke is why I did not vote for dementia joe, I am just waiting for the punch line after he takes office to see how much of my money he is going to take to put into your pocket.
That would require you to have money. Calm down. No one wants the camper you live in or your second hand truck. Your welfare benefits might even go up!
Hey, stoner, read anything about the “Dark Money” the Democrats hated, until this year when they got a lot of money from undisclosed shell companies? I wonder how much China Joe actually got from Hunters contacts and what it cost to buy him?
https://ktvz.com/politics/2020/11/27/democrats-deride-dark-money-but-a-new-analysis-shows-it-helped-boost-joe-biden/
and be on the look out for real skinny toothless people following mail trucks around
“- Have packages delivered to your work.”
Way to be in tune with what’s going on in our community RPD!!!
Stealing boxes from someones front steps is a new low, even for scum bags…
I’m thinking about making one of the exploding boxes that I’ve seen online.
They don’t hurt anyone, I just want it to smell horrid if they open it in
their car or house…
If I mail a legal amount of my meth to my brother in Bend and my mom steals it from his porch will Hummel prosecute? This is all so confusing.
When they’re the same person you might be confusing the poor guy.
Hummel may be too busy prosecuting those with 7 at their home for the Holiday but the Federal Postal police, the DEA and others may be very interested.
Hand deliver, much safer.
I’ve never heard the term porch pirates. I wonder if it has anything to do with ring pirates?
Hey Barney, Is there a link for reporting online for the city of Bend? Had this maybe happen to me today…. Thanks
Here ya go: https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/police/online-tools/online-police-report/-fsiteid-1/-seldept-16