Porch Pirates Snatch Packages NR15289pv

Tazana. Two more porch pirates
have hit in Tarzana, stealing a package off a porch in the 5500
block of Beckford Avenue. Detectives have released the video and
are asking the public’s help in identifying the thief and his
getaway driver.

“Porch pirating is a common problem today, in the age of online
shopping,” said Capt. Paul Vernon, who heads up the West Valley
Patrol Division. “We hope everyone takes a look at this video. Jail
time and good video like this are about the only deterrents to the
growing problem.”

The homeowner’s video shows a
white, late-model BMW pull into view. A White or Hispanic man, with
a satchel around his neck, exits the car and boldly walks up the
driveway and takes a UPS box. He leaves with his accomplice in the
BMW.

“Imagine if this stolen package had an ill person’s vital
medicine,” Capt. Vernon added. “It’s galling, especially when we
can see it happen like this. When we catch these guys, they’re
going to walk the plank to jail.”
Police offer the following tips to protect residents from Porch
Pirates:

Have packages delivered to locations where a person is home

Have packages delivered to the vendor’s local store for pick
up

Have packages held by the delivery company for personal pick
up

Ask for notification when package is delivered so you can
have a trusted neighbor pick up for you

Add delivery instructions like, requiring a signature upon
delivery, or where to place parcels

Police warn that most porch pirating occurs during the day
when residents are away, and the thieves are often involved in
identify theft in addition to taking parcels. Neighbors working
together can harden the target against porch pirates.

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Det. William
Dunn, West Valley Burglary detectives, at (818) 374-7674. Anonymous
tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by
texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All
text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may
be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the
prompts.