'Porch Pirates' Target Homes In Wheaton: Police

WHEATON, IL --- 'Tis the season for frequent deliveries of packages ordered online, which means it's also the season for thieves to nab unattended packages from porches and front stoops. Two Wheaton residents were recently targeted by so-called porch pirates, who often go from house to house stealing deliveries before the intended recipients can get to them.

Both package thefts took place on Dec. 3, according to police, less than an hour apart from one another.

The first theft was reported by a resident in the 1500 block of Cadet Court. They told police that a suspect or suspects stole packages from off of their front porch sometime between 2:47 p.m. and 3:07 p.m.

The second victim, who lives in the 1400 block of South Gables Boulevard, told police that a package was stolen from their front porch at approximately 3:41 p.m.

Some ways to help prevent porch pirates include having packages delivered to your place of work or nearby UPS store or locker, requiring a signature for delivery, or installing a security camera or motion lights.

Related: 13 Tips To Prevent Package Thefts This Holiday Season

If you have information about these recent package thefts in Wheaton, contact police at 630-260-2161.

Image credit: Renee Schiavone/Patch