Porch Pirates Snatch More Booty (Packages)
Tazana. Two more porch pirates have hit in Tarzana, stealing a package off a porch in the 5500 block of Beckford Avenue. Detectives have released the video and are asking the public’s help in identifying the thief and his getaway driver.
“Porch pirating is a common problem today, in the age of online shopping,” said Capt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the West Valley Patrol Division. “We hope everyone takes a look at this video. Jail time and good video like this are about the only deterrents to the growing problem.”
The homeowner’s video shows a white, late-model BMW pull into view. A White or Hispanic man, with a satchel around his neck, exits the car and boldly walks up the driveway and takes a UPS box. He leaves with his accomplice in the BMW.
“Imagine if this stolen package had an ill person’s vital medicine,” Capt. Vernon added. “It’s galling, especially when we can see it happen like this. When we catch these guys, they’re going to walk the plank to jail.”
Police offer the following tips to protect residents from Porch Pirates:
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Have packages delivered to locations where a person is home
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Have packages delivered to the vendor’s local store for pick up
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Have packages held by the delivery company for personal pick up
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Ask for notification when package is delivered so you can have a trusted neighbor pick up for you
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Add delivery instructions like, requiring a signature upon delivery, or where to place parcels
Police warn that most porch pirating occurs during the day when residents are away, and the thieves are often involved in identify theft in addition to taking parcels. Neighbors working together can harden the target against porch pirates.
Video of the theft is available through LAPD’s YouTube channel.
Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. William Dunn, West Valley Burglary detectives, at (818) 374-7674. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
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