Police Seek Notorious Porch Pirate Targeting South OC Homes

IRVINE, CA — Irvine police officers Thursday were searching for a notorious package thief, and warned the public against getting their packages stolen this holiday season.

Anthony Brian Palusso, 39, has been stealing packages in Irvine for years, the Irvine Police Department reported. While he remains out of custody, authorities sought the public's help in bringing him to justice.

Residents who may be able to help locate Palusso were asked to contact edmartinez@cityofirvine.org.

The Irvine Police Department released this list of tips to prevent the theft of your packages this holiday season:

• Schedule your deliveries when you know you will be home.
• Take your packages in as soon as they are delivered.
• Call a trusted neighbor or a friend and ask them to hold on to your delivery until you can get home.
• If available, use the delivery service’s locker service for self-pick-up.
• Use a smartphone garage door control application like “myQ” to allow delivery services to deliver your package inside your garage.