DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — It doesn't take much time for a package to get swooped up by a porch pirate. This week is a heightened time for crime and theft.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are already hitting retail websites, making this week the kickoff for popular online shopping. More online deliveries, can unfortunately more stolen Christmas gifts.
"Theft of packages, what we commonly refer to as porch pirates, is a crime of opportunity. They target individuals because they see something that they want to take" says Champaign County Sheriff, Dustin Heuerman.Â
Law enforcement say they see an increased amount of crime, theft, and burglary during the weeks leading up to Christmas, and it's all a result of increased package deliveries.Â
Sheriff Heuerman said porch pirates are growing smarter. They are less likely to walk up to your door and steal your boxes, but instead, will follow trucks and steal in disguise.
"We've had cases in the past where somebody may be following a Fedex truck or an Amazon truck. They're watching those people drop off packages, and then two seconds later they're there to collect those packages back," explained Heuerman.
In Springfield, Officer Chris Jones also sees an increase in packages stolen. He offered tips and advice, such as, "Tracking and scheduling those deliveries, if you can. Opting for in-store pickups. Require a signature on delivery."
And Officer Jones encouraged neighborhoods to watch out for each other's houses and driveways, in case of suspicious activity. Keeping an extra eye on unfamiliar cars and people can save someone a special Christmas gift they ordered.
After the Christmas season, Sherriff Heuerman reminded shoppers to dispose of boxes with labeling of contents inside as not to track robberies. The best way to prevent theft and stealing is to hide evidence of your belongings and purchases as best you can.
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