The Clinton Police Department is urging residents to stay alert amid a rise in package thefts this holiday season. With online shopping now a common part of gift-giving, so-called “porch pirates” are taking advantage of unattended deliveries. In a Facebook post, the department issued a firm warning to potential thieves, adding a light holiday touch by invoking the Grinch—a familiar seasonal figure known for his eventual change of heart.
"Unfortunately, it's that time of the year where some folks think it's ok to take packages off of porches that DO NOT belong to them," the Clinton Police Department post stated. But not just the packages, the peace of mind attached to these direct deliveries is what thieves are also taking. To these individuals, the department had a clear message: "STOP IT! There's only one Grinch and his heart was fixed! So... if you choose to do this crime, we will identify and arrest you!" The post humorously concluded with the threat of a holiday spent at the "Anderson County bed and breakfast by the river."
In their social media alert, the police also included photos of a suspect, urging the public to help identify the "porch pirate."
