Firestone residents may send packages to police department for safe pickup

Nov. 30—This holiday season, Firestone residents may ship their packages to the town's police department where they can pick them up without falling victim to porch pirates.

Packages may be shipped to the Firestone Police Department, 9900 Park Ave., through Dec. 20.

Whoever picks up the package must present a government-issued ID and the order's receipt. Their name must match the name on the package's mailing label, too.

Packages must be under 50 pounds and picked up from the police department within three days of their arrival.

This is the first year the town has offered a "Presents in Custody" community outreach program, which is only available to Firestone residents.

"We believe the number of porch pirate thefts are underreported for all communities," David Angelo, Firestone chief of police, said in an email Thursday. "This type of theft has become more prevalent year over year and we are trying to get ahead of this crime here in Firestone during the holiday season."

He could not provide statistics specifically addressing porch thefts, he said, as they are not tracked separately from other types of theft.

Angelo did not anticipate the police department having any storage capacity issues.

Residents may pick up their packages Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Firestone Police Department. Packages may also be retrieved on Dec. 16, which is a Saturday, from noon to 2 p.m.

The last day to pick up packages is Dec. 22.

"We believe community relationships that focus on partnerships between the police and the community are imperative to reducing crime and enhancing the quality of life for residents," Angelo said.

"Programs like 'Presents in Custody' and others we've introduced are the cornerstone of community policing."