Residents in a St. Louis condo complex have been on edge following a string of package thefts executed with an unusual twist. A woman wearing an Amazon vest is reportedly stealing packages, a deceptive tactic that has caused concern within the community. Video footage captured by the Neighborhood Security Initiative reveals a scenario in which two women in a vehicle sifted through a dumpster before heading to the condominium building, as reported by FOX2now.
Adding to the unease, the duo was seen attempting multiple call box numbers until an unsuspecting resident unwittingly granted them access to the secure lobby. This method, especially alarming after the recent Amazon Prime Day sales, left many residents anticipating package deliveries vulnerable. Jim Whyte of the Neighborhood Security Initiative said in an interview obtained by KSDK, "We were able to get a license plate number on the car and we provided all that to police." He believes that these two women have been employing this tactic since August.
The St. Louis Police Department, recognizing the escalating situation, has recommended several preventive measures to mitigate this type of crime. Package delivery tracking, usage of package lockers, and arranging for packages to be received by someone else when not at home are among the strategies suggested to residents. Security cameras are advised as well, both for their actual monitoring capabilities and as a deterrent.
An additional precaution that residents can take includes specifying delivery instructions that can help in concealing packages from plain view behind outdoor furniture or plants. Amazon reassures its customers by offering multiple features, like map tracking, photo-on-delivery, and shared tracking with friends or family when the intended recipient is absent, reminded First Alert 4. Furthermore, in cases where packages are indeed stolen, Amazon and local police encourage prompt reporting by the victims.
