Redwood City Package Thief Sought: Police Ask For Help IDing This Man

REDWOOD CITY, CA –Redwood City police are asking for the public's help to find a man suspected of taking a package off a local porch.

Police say the alleged crime happened on Sept. 14 in a neighborhood just of El Camino Real during broad daylight.

"These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time," police said in a news release.

The suspected thief in this case, who was captured on surveillance footage, had paint on his hands, shirt, and shorts, and has tattoos on both arms. He can be seen above, and in additional images embedded to this story below.

Here's another angle.

Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call Officer Rasmussen at 650-780-7100.

"To help avoid this situation, when possible, have your packages delivered to a location where they can be received in person, such as a neighbor or relatives house," police suggested.

Police also suggested the following to help avoid these sorts of thefts:

• When making a purchase online, if the retailer provides the option, choose a specific delivery time.
• If purchasing from a larger retailer, consider having your package delivered to a local store for pick-up.
• Take advantage of delivery alerts so you can be notified when a package arrives at your home.
• If you are not available to accept delivery, ask a trusted neighbor to take your package inside for safekeeping.
• When possible, request the delivery company to hold your package at their closest pick-up facility until you can pick it up.
• You also can ask the shipper to require a signature confirmation of delivery in order to prevent packages being left when no one is home to sign for them.
• It also is helpful to provide delivery instructions so packages can be left out of sight from your yard or the road.

(All images courtesy of the Redwood City Police Department)