12/07/2020
Blount County is seeing a spike in porch pirates.
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PORCH THIEVES UP TO NO-GOOD AGAIN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE – With a record number of people Christmas shopping on-line this year due to the pandemic, the Sheriff’s Office is starting to receive complaints of pesky criminals out stealing packages from our hardworking citizens. Sheriff James Lee Berrong does not want to see you victimized by these burglars. Here are some suggestions to help keep you becoming a victim of this crime.
· Coordinate a drop-off time with the shipper so that you or someone you trust can bring the package indoors.
· Establish a good relationship with your neighbors and work together to help protect each other’s property. When you or your neighbors are expecting a package, you can be there for each other and place packages in a safe place until you or they return home.
· Fed Ex Delivery Manager, UPS My Choice, and USPS Informed Delivery all have apps to let you know where your package is in the delivery process, and when it will be delivered. You can sign up for text and email alerts to track your package.
· Some shippers have designated pick-up locations where packages can be stored in secure lockers. Amazon utilizes hub lockers, and UPS has UPS Access Point which is retail outlets that serve as UPS parcel delivery and retrieval locations. There are several of each of these options in Blount County.
· Though more reactive than proactive, doorbell and surveillance camera systems are also options, and they are becoming more affordable all the time. Sometimes if a would-be thief sees a camera, it will deter a theft. Most of the camera systems will begin recording when it picks up motion on your porch and will store the video which is easily shareable with law enforcement. Most will also send an alert to your phone when the camera is activated, and you can also access the camera to provide you with a live feed.
· Have the package shipped to your work location if that is possible.
A recent survey revealed that 47 percent of Americans have been victims of porch thefts at some point. Sheriff Berrong does NOT want to see anyone become a victim of this crime. Our Sheriff’s deputies are extra-vigilant this time of year for suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. Please do your part, and if you see suspicious activity, please call 911 immediately.