Churchton Package Thief Photo Released By Police

CHURCHTON, MD — Anne Arundel County Police on Tuesday released photos of a suspect in the theft of a package in Churchton. The theft was reported Sunday in the 5700 block of Shady Side Road in Churchton.

Police say the suspect shown took property from the front porch of a residence. Anyone with information about the identity of the thief is asked to contact Detective Butkus at 410-222-1965.

While the most package thefts are typically reported during the holidays, they happen year-round.

Police and security experts have shared some reminders on how to thwart "porch pirates" and ensure you receive your packages:

• If possible, have your package delivered to a location where it can be received by a trusted person.
• Request that the shipper holds the package at their facility for pickup.
• Track deliveries online and confirm delivery has occurred.
• Insure valuable items.
• Provide delivery instructions so packages are left out of sight from the street.
• Watch out for vehicles following delivery vans through neighborhoods. Some thieves will simply shadow deliver drivers and go from house to house stealing newly delivered packages.
• When sending packages, take them to a post office or other shipping facility rather than leaving them outside your home for pickup. Let the person you are sending the package to know to expect the package.
• Show off your home security system; make sure you have a sign in the front yard. If you have security cameras, make sure potential thieves know they're there, and if you have a doorbell camera, use it.
• Sign up for email notifications from FedEx, UPS and businesses like Amazon and Urban Outfitters to track your package from initial shipment to its arrival at your home or the recipient's address if you have the gift delivered directly.

Photos courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police