UPDATE: An Orange County police department is taking urgent action against a rising wave of package thefts, with 9 million adults reporting stolen deliveries in just the last three months. With reports showing that porch pirates steal about $250,000 worth of packages every day across the nation, local authorities are ramping up efforts to combat this pervasive crime.
Residents like Karen Gordon from Irvine have felt the impact firsthand, suffering through more than a dozen thefts over the past four years. “Whether it’s groceries or these packages, we’re all suffering from one degree to another degree over these crimes,” Gordon stated. The urgency of the situation was highlighted when Irvine police arrested a woman, dubbed ‘Postal Malone’ for her resemblance to the artist, who was filmed stealing Gordon’s online order of toilet paper from the apartment mailroom.
The Irvine Police Department is getting creative to address the thefts, as Officer Ziggy Azarcon leads the charge. The department has reported a notable 11% decrease in package theft this year compared to the same period last year, thanks in part to their innovative social media campaigns like “Wanted Wednesday” and “Felony Friday.” These initiatives invite the public to assist in identifying suspects, proving effective in solving cases.
After sharing details about ‘Postal Malone’ online, tips flooded in, leading to her arrest. Officers remain vigilant, monitoring for suspicious vehicles, particularly those without license plates, and warning that criminals often disguise themselves as delivery drivers to execute their thefts.
As the holiday season approaches, the threat of porch piracy intensifies. Residents are urged to take proactive measures to protect their packages, including:
– Utilizing secure locker delivery options
– Arranging for friends or neighbors to pick up packages
– Implementing tracking and alert systems to monitor deliveries
– Sending packages to a work address
– Requesting signature confirmation for deliveries
The community’s response is crucial as the fight against porch piracy continues. With creative strategies and community involvement, Irvine is setting a precedent in the battle against these thefts, aiming to restore peace of mind for all residents.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Irvine Police Department continues to combat package thefts in the area.
