As holiday shoppers eagerly await the arrival of their online orders, Houston package thieves are eagerly stepping up to snatch parcels left unattended. With Cyber Monday inducing an avalanche of deliveries, "porch pirates" have been more audacious than ever, causing headaches across the Houston area, as reported by FOX 26. Victims like Michelle Kyle are appalled by the thieves' audacity, with one stating, "He just came right up, didn’t look around. He just picked it up and took off."
One particularly enterprising individual was recently arrested by the Houston Police Department, who reportedly used surveillance footage and citizen-provided details to quickly catch the alleged package plunderer. The HPD highlighted that quick action and cooperation with residents were crucial in apprehending the suspect, who had previous run-ins with the law, according to FOX 26's report.
In response to the rampant package pilferage, security experts at SafeWise recommend measures including opting into delivery alerts, requiring signatures for packages, and making alternative delivery arrangements. Additionally, the incorporation of technology such as doorbell cams and security systems offers a deterrent against such thefts. Neighbors are also encouraged to band together, keeping watch for unfamiliar faces and vehicles, a strategy that may help thwart would-be thieves.
Similarly, proprietors in Katy have taken steps to buttress their mail security, setting up surveillance systems to catch thieves in action, with some success. However, despite the clear video evidence, the postal inspection service's response was lackluster, prompting frustration among those affected. Frank Albergo, President of the U.S. Postal Police Officer's Union, expressed concern to KPRC 2, claiming, "The postal system has been exposed as an easy target. So criminals exploit easy targets. And right now, that’s the postal service. So, who suffers? It’s actually the customers, postal customers."
As thefts soar, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has nevertheless begun to implement some security upgrades, albeit at a slow pace. Out of approximately 365,000 collection boxes nationwide, 12,000 high-security blue collection boxes and 49,000 electronic locks are being installed to combat theft.
