As holiday shopping season approaches, St. Louis Police are reaching out to the community for assistance in identifying a suspect involved in recent package thefts, often referred to as a “porch pirate.” The rise in package thefts has coincided with the popularity of home deliveries, a trend accelerated by the increased use of online shopping in recent years. On the same day the police requested help, a national survey was released showing just how widespread porch thefts have become, providing further context to the issue.
Security Cameras Aren’t Enough
Despite the increasing prevalence of doorbell cameras and home security systems, they don’t always prevent thefts. Many residents, especially in neighborhoods like St. Louis’ High Park area, have installed surveillance systems outside their homes. However, as recent thefts have demonstrated, the mere presence of cameras does not always deter criminals. St. Louis Police recently released images of a suspect in the High Park neighborhood, an area known for its high density of home security cameras.
Community Impact of Package Theft
For residents, package theft can be deeply unsettling. Kyle, who operates a childcare center near High Park, has been a victim of such thefts. He expressed frustration over the violation of his personal property, noting the time and effort spent to afford the items stolen from his porch. This sentiment is echoed across the community, as many residents feel that porch piracy disrupts their peace of mind and violates the safety of their homes.
Delivery Alternatives to Combat Theft
In response to the uptick in package thefts, delivery companies are offering safer options for customers who are concerned about leaving packages on their porches. UPS has set up “UPS Access Points” in various neighborhoods, where customers can choose to have their packages delivered securely. These access points are located in businesses, like convenience stores, and provide a more secure alternative to home delivery. One such location, Carrie’s Corner Market, has become a popular choice for locals looking to prevent theft. Jeremiah Willis, a neighborhood resident, has started using these access points to protect his purchases. Willis prefers picking up his packages from the access point, confident in the added security provided by the store’s cameras and secure storage area.
Widespread Nature of Package Thefts
The national survey released on Wednesday revealed that one in six Americans has had a package stolen in the past year alone, underlining the severity of the issue. The widespread nature of these thefts has led more people to seek alternatives like access points and secure lockers to avoid becoming a target. These alternatives have proven especially useful in areas with a high incidence of package theft, providing an additional layer of security and peace of mind for residents.
Community Efforts to Identify Suspects
Residents in High Park are hopeful that the release of surveillance images will lead to the identification and capture of the suspect. Many believe that the thief might be someone familiar with the area, as he appears to navigate the neighborhood with ease. In response, community members are staying vigilant and hoping to work alongside the police to bring an end to the recurring problem of package theft. For some, catching the thief is as much about reclaiming a sense of security as it is about justice.
Concerns Beyond Theft: Safety Risks
While residents are eager to catch the perpetrator, there are also broader concerns about the safety risks associated with confronting package thieves. For some, the potential danger of approaching an unknown suspect has led them to choose access points and secure delivery options rather than risking a direct confrontation. This is particularly important as some residents worry that thieves may be willing to use intimidation or violence if confronted during a theft attempt.
As the holidays near, many residents of St. Louis are reminded to stay alert, especially as packages begin to arrive in larger quantities. The police continue to urge anyone with information on the suspect to come forward, hoping to make the season a bit safer for residents looking forward to the arrival of their holiday packages.
