Richfield Police: Watch Out for 'Porch Pirates'

You may have heard about "Porch Pirates." They're thieves whose favorite time of the year is immediately following black Friday and cyber Monday.

As online holiday shoppers start receiving their packages, porch pirates peruse neighborhoods looking for deliveries left near front and side doors of unoccupied homes.

Richfield police say least one porch pirate incident was reported on the 6700 block of 3rd Ave S.

Remember to call 911 immediately if you see suspicious activity.

The Minneapolis police has provided the following suggestions to help keep you packages safe:

• Before you ship, choose the right service for your needs. Ship the package to a location where you know someone will be available to receive it. Consider selecting the “signature required” option.
• Send any FedEx package directly to a FedEx Office location near you or choose from several delivery options. You can have it held for pickup at one of the stations.
• UPS also has stores that a package can be routed to and have several options for delivery choices.
• The United States Postal Service has a number of ways to track and secure safe delivery for your packages. You have options on how you want the package delivered as well as tracking and insuring the package. Many of their tips are similar to UPS and FedEx.
• As neighbors, if you see something suspicious such as a person picking up a package off your neighbor’s front step or a car following a delivery van, please call 911 immediately
• If you are a victim of this crime, please contact 311 or file a police report online. If you have suspect information, call 911.

Image via Elvert Barnes, Flickr, used under Creative Commons