Washington police searching for ‘porch pirates’
The theft of packages from porches is on the rise in Washington.
“Porch pirates” are thieves who steal packages from porches and doorsteps. According to Washington Detective Jordan Faust, numerous recent reports of the crime have come from the city’s Seventh Ward.
The department posted a pair of photos of suspects to its Facebook page last week, and is hoping someone is able to identify the culprits.
Faust said they have also received reports of unlocked cars being entered in the area, and noted that both crimes can be prevented by taking proper precautions.
“There are ways you can divert (a package) or ask it to be delivered at another time,” Faust said.
Faust recommended having a package sent to a nearby post office, or requiring a signature upon delivery.
Delivery services also often allow customers to provide more specific instructions about where to place packages.
Faust said drivers can help by being mindful of where they are leaving deliveries.
“It would be nice if they didn’t leave the package very much in the open. Hide it, don’t put it right in front of the door,” Faust said.
Earlier this year, a new law went into effect in Pennsylvania enhancing penalties for porch pirates. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the law in December. A third offense now increases to a third-degree felony.
The crime doesn’t seem to be much of an issue in neighboring Fayette County.
“Does it happen? Yes. On a large scale? No,” said Uniontown police public information officer Tom Kolencik.
Kolencik said the ubiquity of doorbell cameras helps ward off package thieves, but that neighborliness is perhaps more important.
“Neighbors are looking out for one another … If you’re expecting a package, you let your neighbor know. Just neighbors working together also deters that,” Kolencik said.
Anyone with information regarding the recent thefts in Washington is encouraged to call 724-223-1386 or to send a message to the Washington police Facebook page.