Putnam County Sheriff’s Officials said porch pirates are back, stealing gifts from homes across the area, but luckily numbers are down.
Sheriff Eddie Farris said offenders will also open mail and go through it, looking for cash or gift cards. Farris said tracking packages and keeping note of all items in delivery orders can cut down on theft.
“People are spending more money this time of year, through the holidays, that’s something that’s been going on for many many years,” Farris said. “So, the scammers and the people that are thieving and the bad actors who want to take advantage of people, they know this.”
Farris said the public must be vigilant in picking up packages as they are delivered, installing cameras or leaving drop instructions for the delivery driver.
Farris said the department offers property checks for those going out of town. Farris said people should try and make arrangements to have mail picked up while on a trip, away from home. Farris said social media users should be careful before going out of town, as posts can advertise an empty home.
“One of the things we see is fake shipping notifications, we get a lot of that.”Everybody, a lot of people are ordering packages and ordering gifts for loved ones and so they’re always checking their email.”
Farris said package theft not been a large issue this year as the department has patrolled neighborhoods in unmarked vehicles. Farris said the increase of porch cameras has helped decrease the number of incidents as well.
Farris said the department has been able to locate and identify a few package thieves.
“We’ve had some of it, we just, this happens every year, it’s just normal for us,” Farris said. “We’re just trying to keep it at a very minimum.”
Farris said gifts wrapped under the tree, electronics and fire arms are common things thieves look for when breaking into homes. Farris said neighbors helping each other is crucial during the holidays, watching houses and making sure anyone around the house belongs there. Farris said neighbors keeping an eye out can prevent a break in.
“Communication with law enforcement, communication with your neighbors, communication with your friends and that type thing,” Farris said. “Watch out for each other.”