'Porch Pirates' In Takoma Park Bring Package Theft Reminders

TAKOMA PARK, MD — Takoma Park Police are warning residents of porch pirates who prowl around neighborhoods during the holiday season waiting to pounce. In a move also dubbed by police as "front porch shopping," observant thieves will follow delivery trucks and steal recently delivered packages from porches and stoops.

One incident occurred in Takoma Park on Nov. 22 when three packages were stolen from a home in the 7500 block of Maple Ave. The victim received confirmation that the packages were delivered, but they were never received. Police determined the packages were stolen from the victim's residence.

Police and security experts have shared reminders on how to thwart "porch pirates" and ensure you receive your packages:

• Request that the shipper holds the package at their facility for pickup.
• Insure valuable items.
• Provide delivery instructions so packages are left out of sight from the street.
• Watch out for vehicles following delivery vans through neighborhoods. Some thieves will simply shadow deliver drivers and go from house to house stealing newly delivered packages.
• When sending packages, take them to a post office or other shipping facility rather than leaving them outside your home for pickup. Let the person you are sending the package to know to expect the package.
• Show off your home security system; make sure you have a sign in the front yard. If you have security cameras, make sure potential thieves know they're there, and if you have a doorbell camera, use it.
• Sign up for email notifications from FedEx, UPS and businesses like Amazon and Urban Outfitters to track your package from initial shipment to its arrival at your home or the recipient's address if you have the gift delivered directly.

Any resident who sees anything suspicious should call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.

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