Columbia Package Theft Prompts Warning From Howard County Police

COLUMBIA, MD — A so-called "porch pirate" was captured on surveillance video this past week in Columbia. Now, the Howard County Police Department has released video from the crime in hopes of identifying the thief and to remind residents to beware.

The theft happened on Wednesday, Jan. 23. A package was taken from a residence in the 10600 block of High Beam Court, according to police.

"Although the holiday shopping and shipping season may be over, residents shouldn’t let their guards down," the Howard County Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 29. "Reports of 'porch pirates,' or thieves who steal packages right off your front doorstep, are all too common throughout the year."

Previously, police issued these tips for protecting packages:

• Try to be home when packages are scheduled to arrive.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take any packages inside if they arrive before you.
• Request the delivery person put the package somewhere it can't be seen from the sidewalk.
• Have the package delivered to your workplace.

Police also suggested getting a doorbell camera or subscribing to the "Neighbors" app, which does not require having a camera of one's own but allows access to other neighbors' videos.

To get the free anonymous doorbell video-sharing app Neighbors, text “HCPD” to 555888.

Anyone who recognizes the thief in Columbia is asked to call police at 410-313-STOP or email a tip to HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

SEE ALSO:

• Teen Package Thieves In Columbia Arrested: Police
• Police Double as Santas in Columbia: 77 Packages Returned
• Columbia Package Thieves Sentenced To Jail

Image via Shutterstock.