'Porch Pirate' In McLean Brings Package Theft Reminder

MCLEAN, VA—Fairfax County Police are warning residents of porch pirates who prowl around neighborhoods during the holiday season waiting to pounce.

In a move also dubbed by police as "front porch shopping," observant thieves will follow delivery trucks and steal recently delivered packages from porches and stoops.

One incident occurred in the Langley area of McLean over the long Thanksgiving weekend. Police say packages were stolen from a home at Wimbledon Drive. And another incident was reported in the Thursday crime report on the same block.

Fairfax County Police have offered a number of tips to protect your packages from "porch pirates."

• Sign up for delivery alerts so you know when packages are delivered.
• Don’t leave delivered packages unattended. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for the packages and offer the same in return.
• Require a signature delivery for packages you ship to friends and family.
• Set up alternative delivery options. Check your delivery service’s website for details.
• If a retailer offers the option of purchasing items online and picking up in store or at a locker, they’ll be safe until you can pick them up.
• See if it’s possible to have packages delivered to your workplace for the holiday season.
• Hold your mail and packages when going out of town.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood and call the police non-emergency number.
• Package theft is not just an issue around the holidays, it occurs throughout the year. Consider investing in an exterior security system.

Residents can report suspicious activity to Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

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