Police offer tips for thwarting package thieves
TEXARKANA — The busiest shopping season of the year provides plenty of opportunities for package thieves.
“More people than ever are online shopping this year due to COVID. The crooks are aware of that and they are out looking. It’s a crime of opportunity and it usually just takes a minute for someone to grab something off of your porch,” said Shawn Vaughn, spokesman for the Texarkana Texas Police Department.
Both the Texarkana, Texas, and Texarkana, Arkansas, police departments received numerous call this week about package thefts.
In one case, TAPD developed information on a suspect and a description of a vehicle that was driving through neighborhoods and grabbing packages from porches. Two arrests were made after the vehicle the suspects were in was identified and stopped. Several stolen packages were found in the vehicle.
Police advise online shoppers to use the following tips:
■ Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when a delivery is scheduled and when a package has been delivered.
■ If you are not able to be home when a package is delivered, ask a trusted neighbor to hold it for you.
■ If possible, require a signature for all deliveries.
■ Consider shipping packages to your workplace or ship it to the store.
■ Be a good neighbor. If you see a package
on your neighbor’s porch, ask them if they would like you to hold it until they are home.
■ Join a neighborhood watch group.
It also helps to have packages placed out of sight, TAPD Sgt. Rick Cockrell said.
“Provide specific instructions for delivery such as placing packages out of sight behind a plant or outdoor furniture,” Cockrell said.
Most important, get the item off the porch as soon as possible.
“They can’t steal something if it’s not there,” Vaughn said.
If someone’s package is stolen, they should contact local police and also check with neighbors to see if they have seen any suspicious activity.