Grumps, Scrooges and all manner of holiday scoundrels are being warned off in New Westminster, where police have unveiled plans to crack down on so-called “porch pirates.”
The New Westminster Police Service is targeting package theft this month by deploying numerous “bait packages” across the city.
“They’re designed to be able to track the package and ultimately identify the person who took it, so if you steal a package of bait, we’re ready: You’re going to meet us,” said NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver.
“They will be strategic locations, in partnership and with the consent of the owners, and the intention is to deter potential pirates from taking packages from porches, mailboxes, lobbies and front doors people.”
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Leaver said the bait packages are designed to look like a variety of normal packages and will come in a variety of forms, including boxes, tubes and bags.
Police also use crime data to target potential package theft hot spots.
Package theft is a year-round problem, but Leaver said the increase in package deliveries during the holiday season increases the number of opportunities for potential thieves.
Police encourage people waiting for deliveries to take every precaution possible.
These include using in-store pickup, having a package shipped to a secure pickup location, or asking a neighbor to pick up a package when it is delivered.
“We don’t want to see anyone’s season ruined by a porch pirate,” he said.
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