Northeast Ohio police departments heighten awareness of package thefts during holidays

Nov. 28—Local police departments have taken measures and offered tips to residents to try to prevent anyone considering taking delivered packages from homes, sometimes referred to as "porch pirates."

Online sales are expected to set records again this holiday season.

This increase in purchases and deliveries is sure to result in an increase in porch piracy as well. But, according to a news release from the city, the Mentor Police Department is fighting back with the return of its undercover Porch Pirate detail, which was launched in 2020.

Officers will be operating throughout city neighborhoods utilizing a variety of tools including unmarked vehicles, surveillance equipment and the use of bait boxes that contain GPS tracking units, the release stated.

Porch piracy is a crime of opportunity. Thieves will often follow a delivery truck or simply cruise around an area looking for an attractive target. Specifically, criminals are on the lookout for high-value items that they can quickly sell for cash.

According to the release, residents are reminded that taking precautionary steps to protect themselves is the first line of defense. Track online orders, remove them from porches as soon as they are delivered and consider investing in security cameras.

The department encourages residents to be a good neighbor and keep an eye out for each other, warning if someone sees a suspicious car or a theft in progress, write down the license plate and contact the police. A description of a suspect or their vehicle, a partial license plate, stolen property and other factors can lead to an arrest.

Those convicted of misdemeanor theft in Mentor can face up to six months in jail, even for a first offense, according to the release.

Chardon Police Chief Scott Niehus said the city has been fortunate in that it only averages about five or six packages stolen from residents per year. He said the vigilance of the department, including the use of undercover, plain-clothes officers as well as cooperation with the county prosecutor's office and the sheriff's office are key.

"I think Geauga County is a diamond in the rough when it comes to prevention of crimes like this because we are all on the same page and can see the same information through our computer system and we work together well," Niehus said.

Willoughby Police Chief James Schultz said there are no specific programs the city has implemented to deter porch piracy, but they do have some suggestions for residents.

The department suggest residents do not have packages delivered to the home, unless they always there during delivery times.

"Porch pirates look for packages left on front porches, front walkways or just out in the open," Schultz said.

"If you are able to do so, track your packages online and know when they will arrive. If you are home, retrieve the packages as soon as they are delivered. If you cannot be home, consider asking a trusted neighbor or friend to retrieve the packages for you so they are not left sitting out."

— Madison Township Police Chief Matthew Byers

Schultz added to have online orders sent to a place of employment or a trusted location and to utilize tracking notifications. USPS, UPS, FedEx and Amazon will notify residents when a package is delivered.

Schultz also stressed that residents should order from trusted sites this holiday season, install a video doorbell or video surveillance system, have packages delivered to the store or to Amazon lockers and require signatures on online orders.

Mayfield Heights Police Chief Anthony Mele said he hasn't seen an increase in porch piracy, but with the holidays approaching the department definitely will be on a higher alert.

"We currently haven't seen an uptick in these types of cases recently, but now that the holidays are approaching we may see more," Mele said. "Our patrol officers are aware that porch pirates operate throughout the day so they keep an eye out for suspicious activity involving this type of theft."

Madison Township Police Chief Matthew Byers echoed some of the other departments and said they are ready in eastern Lake County to help residents combat potential porch pirates.

"Video surveillance systems and door bell cameras that allow you to remotely monitor what is occurring at your residence in real time are a great tool for apprehending these thieves," Byers said. "A resident can receive a notification of activity at their residence, no matter where they are, and view the scene from their smartphone.

"That resident can provide suspect or vehicle descriptions and direction of travel information to responding officers. This greatly enhances law enforcement's ability to make an apprehension and recover property."

Byers added the most effective tool in combating this offense is prevention.

"If you are able to do so, track your packages online and know when they will arrive," Byers said. "If you are home, retrieve the packages as soon as they are delivered. If you cannot be home, consider asking a trusted neighbor or friend to retrieve the packages for you so they are not left sitting out.

"Even better, if you have a trusted friend or neighbor who is home during the day, consider having the packages delivered to them so they are not left outside. Minimizing the time your packages are unprotected reduces the chance you will be a victim."