Cops patrol for ‘porch pirates’

PAWTUCKET – Merrick Street at 9:08 a.m., West Lawn Avenue at 3:58 in the afternoon, Fillmore Street at 5:03 p.m., and finally Lowell Avenue 35 minutes after that.

That was just Tuesday. And it’s not The Grinch who is going street-to-street stealing Christmas, according to Pawtucket Police. It’s “porch pirates.”

Police here are urging residents to take precautions to avoid falling victim to “porch piracy,” in which packages left on doorsteps, decks, or front porches are stolen by thieves. This comes after a rash of reported larcenies of packages over the weekend, with four of the larcenies reported within an eight-hour period on Tuesday.

Pawtucket Police Det. Sgt. Timothy Graham said authorities are “absolutely” taking notice of an uptick in thefts of

delivered packages.

“We see it all year long because people now are getting things delivered all year long,” Graham said on Wednesday. “But with all the online shopping for the holidays, the numbers go way up and I’m sure the people that (steal the packages) know this is the time, because there’s so many packages being delivered.”

Graham said that to avoid falling

victim to a “porch pirate,” people who shop online should track their packages, be available for delivery, require a signature, choose in-store pickup, or keep a security camera or doorbell camera pointed at the doorstep.

“Obviously, people should be looking out for suspicious vehicles driving around neighborhoods slow. If you notice someone looking around, call the police and try to get a plate...” Graham said. “Don’t put yourself in danger, but anytime you see something in your neighbor-

hood, let us know. We’re keeping a lookout ourselves.”

Graham said that these thieves generally drive around Pawtucket, possibly following a UPS or FedEx truck, then run out of their vehicles and grab the package after it is delivered, before running back to the vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Graham said at least one “porch pirate” was captured on camera in the midst of an attempted larceny, as a homeowner had a doorbell camera installed at their home.

“We have video, we might have

somebody in custody soon...” Graham said. “The doorbell cameras and security cameras are very helpful to us. It may not be helpful to stop someone from stealing, but it’s helpful if they get caught. I’m sure (the thieves) are on the lookout for that, so it may prevent it.”

In neighboring Central Falls, police in the city warned residents about the potential for Grinches stealing delivered packages left out in the open.

“As such, (police) suggest that you give instructions to have your

parcels delivered out of sight, or better yet, sent to your work. Criminals know that lots of items are being delivered and all they have to do is follow the delivery trucks,” the post on social media read. “Additionally, we ask that you keep an eye out for your neighbors as well. If you see someone following delivery trucks from afar or slowing down in front of houses left with packages, please call your local police department.”