Brookline Police Warns Of 'Dramatic' Rise In Porch Pirate Thefts

BROOKLINE, MA — At a time of the year when Brookline sees what Sgt. Robert DiSario called "a dramatic increase in package thefts," the police department is giving residents some tips to help avoid having those deliveries swiped ahead of the upcoming holidays.

DiSario said thieves most often target packages left on the porch or in an unsecured vestibule.

"First, track your packages so you know when they'll be delivered," DiSario said in a message to the community. "You can do this by setting alerts through the shipping company or just periodically checking the shipping status on your phone or computer. Then, try to secure it as soon as it is delivered.

"Next, if you live in a multi-family building and see packages in an unsecured vestibule, bring them into a common area that is secured.

"Finally, have packages delivered to a friend or family member who may be home to receive them."

Another option is to have packages delivered to a post office box or Amazon locker, which has several locations in Brookline such as the one at 454 Harvard Street, if the product is ordered through the company.