By Guy Page
Police warn of increase in porch, mailbox thefts; residents urged to take precautions
Area residents are being warned to stay vigilant following a recent increase in so-called “porch pirate” and mailbox thefts, according to Berlin Police Department Sgt. Chad Bassette.
Mail and package theft isn’t a one-town problem. As reported by Vermont News First reporter Michael Donoghue in VDC yesterday, a South Hero man was recently arrested for mail theft. Also, a Northeast Kingdom town has seen a rash of missing mail (story coming soon in VDC).
Bassette said police have seen a noticeable uptick in reports over the past several weeks involving packages stolen from front porches and mail taken directly from residential mailboxes.
“While the name ‘porch pirate’ may sound amusing, the crime itself is not and we take it seriously,” Bassette said in a public advisory. “We understand how frustrating it is to order something you’ve been waiting for, only to find an empty porch where your package should be.”
Police say thieves often follow delivery trucks or target homes where packages are left unattended for long periods.
Authorities are encouraging residents to take steps to protect their deliveries, including signing up for delivery alerts, bringing packages inside as soon as possible, and having trusted neighbors collect items if they are away. The use of visible security cameras, motion lighting and requesting signature confirmation for high-value deliveries can also help deter theft.
Residents are also urged to take precautions with their mail. Police recommend collecting mail daily, avoiding leaving outgoing mail containing checks overnight, and considering the use of locked mailboxes where available.
Bassette said officers are actively investigating recent incidents and increasing patrols in affected neighborhoods.
Police are asking residents to report suspicious activity immediately, especially if they see individuals removing packages or mail that does not belong to them.
“Together, we can send these ‘pirates’ back to sea,” Bassette said. “Stay alert, look out for your neighbors, and if you see something, say something.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local police department.
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Categories: Crime
Will these pirates leave a couple of dollars on my porch to help with the delivery fee?
Maybe I will replace my front step with a plank to ward off pirates.
These crimes of opportunity occur because of the widely held realization that there will be zero consequences under the law in a state run by liberals who do not embrace any concept of personal responsibility. These are the kinds of offenses that warrant private enforcement and consequences. We need a law providing that if you catch someone stealing from your property or mailbox, the maximum penalty for beating the snot out of them is a $10 fine.