STONE COUNTY, Mo. -- Stone County deputies have arrested two people for stealing packages off porches near Branson West.

36-year-old Justin Chambers and 32-year-old Melissa Lind were booked into the Stone County jail on Monday December 2.

They're accused of stealing boxes from homes along Highway DD and Talking Rocks Road.

"There's a lot of room between houses along the road here," Dan Ball said.

One of the crimes was caught on a home security camera. The man can be seen swiping a box off a porch just after 5 p.m. Monday afternoon. Chambers and Lind were booked into the Stone County jail about an hour later, after a state trooper spotted the truck that matched a neighbor's description. Deputies also found several boxes opened and emptied.

"I am so impressed and very grateful," Vivian Ireland said.

While the stolen items have been located, Ireland says she's still waiting to find out if her name was on any of the packages.

"Hopefully it's not. I'm really sorry for anybody that it was because I know all the hard work we spend this time of year and money, when you don't always have a lot of it," Ireland said.

As someone who gets packages delivered regularly, Ireland will be watching closely.

"My daughter does all her Christmas shopping online. I do quite a bit of mine, too," Ireland said. "We know we have packages on the way."

The sheriff also suggests keeping an eye on tracking numbers and trying to be home when packages arrive or getting some help from a trusted neighbor.

"We try to watch out for each other a little bit," Ball said.

That can help make sure it's only Santa who sneaks onto your property this season.

"I feel for those it did happen to. It's no good to have something like that at Christmas," Ball said.

If you live in the area of DD Highway or Talking Rocks Road and are missing a package, the Sheriff's Office asks that you let them know.

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2 charged with stealing packages from porches in Stone County - KY3

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) Dont for a moment think it wont happen in your neighborhood.

Wherever the delivery services go there is a chance the porch pirates are not far behind.

This is a crime of opportunity, says Ross Township Police Det. Sgt. Brian Kohlhepp, Its definitely something weve seen as a local and a national trend where more and more common packages are being stolen off porches, doorsteps apartment complexes.

Thats why Steve Podobinski arrived at the Amazon locker at Whole Foods in Wexford today to pick up a package.

The lockers keep the package secure until the owner comes to claim it with a barcode. Podobinski says he worries about porch pirates, Cause even though theres usually somebody at home during the day you dont necessarily know when somebody drops something off.

Podobinski says if theres a package on his porch its an open invitation for anyone to help themselves.

With the conveyor belts of Amazon, UPS, FED EX, and the United States Postal Service working at warp speed the theft opportunities are flowing into the neighborhoods so alternative delivery opportunities are critical.

UPS will send its packages to one of its own retail locations or to some CVS Pharmacies, and Michaels stores.

FedEx has put lockboxes in some Walgreens Drug Stores, as well as its own facilities.

And Kohlhepp points out, There are services like Amazon where they can go into your house and leave the package inside.

All four of the main shipping services have online access where you can control where your package goes.

But it is important to note, diverting your package from your home may come with a service fee.

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Beware Of Porch Pirates: Companies Offer Alternative Delivery Services During The Holiday Season - CBS Pittsburgh

Bargain shoppers aren't the only ones cashing in on Cyber Monday, the biggest e-commerce day of the year.According to Lincoln Police, so are porch pirates, who are waiting for your packages to be delivered."Who are either following the trucks that are delivering things or they are hunting for packages left unattended on porches," said Lincoln Police Sgt. Angela Sands.She said so far in 2019, there have been 136 package thefts reported. There were 115 thefts in 2018."We already saw a spike in that so were trying to get ahead of that," Sands said.She said police have a special detail that patrol neighborhoods and talks to residents and community organizations about how most package thefts occur during the months of November and December."Because that's when most people are doing their holiday shopping," Sands said.She said consumers can protect themselves through a number of ways. Many business, such as Whole Foods and FedEx, have storage lockers where items can be shipped to and then picked up later. Residents can have a lock box on their porch for deliveries. Consumers can have packages shipped to a neighbor or relative's home who will be there. And get text alerts so you know when a delivery has arrived."So you kind of reduce the risk of having it stolen," Sands said. Heather Cawthra's son knows how quickly porch pirates can strike."The package was delivered about 9:30. And then by the time my son came out about a little after 10-ish, it was gone," Cawthra said.She said she has gone online and changed her shipping address to her work place."Where someone is always there to take the packages. So yeah, it has changed. I'm not having anything delivered here," Cawthra said.Police recommend if you catch a porch pirate in action, don't try to apprehend them. Take a photo, get a license plate number and good description of the suspect or suspects and call police. Sands said hopefully they will be scared off and drop your packages.

Bargain shoppers aren't the only ones cashing in on Cyber Monday, the biggest e-commerce day of the year.

According to Lincoln Police, so are porch pirates, who are waiting for your packages to be delivered.

"Who are either following the trucks that are delivering things or they are hunting for packages left unattended on porches," said Lincoln Police Sgt. Angela Sands.

She said so far in 2019, there have been 136 package thefts reported. There were 115 thefts in 2018.

"We already saw a spike in that so were trying to get ahead of that," Sands said.

She said police have a special detail that patrol neighborhoods and talks to residents and community organizations about how most package thefts occur during the months of November and December.

"Because that's when most people are doing their holiday shopping," Sands said.

She said consumers can protect themselves through a number of ways. Many business, such as Whole Foods and FedEx, have storage lockers where items can be shipped to and then picked up later. Residents can have a lock box on their porch for deliveries. Consumers can have packages shipped to a neighbor or relative's home who will be there. And get text alerts so you know when a delivery has arrived.

"So you kind of reduce the risk of having it stolen," Sands said.

Heather Cawthra's son knows how quickly porch pirates can strike.

"The package was delivered about 9:30. And then by the time my son came out about a little after 10-ish, it was gone," Cawthra said.

She said she has gone online and changed her shipping address to her work place.

"Where someone is always there to take the packages. So yeah, it has changed. I'm not having anything delivered here," Cawthra said.

Police recommend if you catch a porch pirate in action, don't try to apprehend them. Take a photo, get a license plate number and good description of the suspect or suspects and call police. Sands said hopefully they will be scared off and drop your packages.

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Porch pirate reports on the rise in Lincoln - KETV Omaha

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Its the season for thieves to prey on delivered packages, but there are new ways to stop and protect your goods.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rocks Executive Director of Professional Sales Program said its happening more and more.

Its growing because most of retail sales now, especially around Christmas time, are done online, Lenita Davis said.

The solution might not be as simple as you think.

Even though you may have Ring and video cameras, I mean, all you really record is people stealing packages off your porch, right? Davis said.

So, what do you do to stop thieves from swiping your packages?

She said there are several options.

I think this is why Amazon came up with the locker system where you can have your packages sent to the locker and pick em up at Whole Foods," Davis said. "People are also starting to send their packages to work. People are using the video cameras so when they see a package delivered, have a neighbor pick them up.

More options:

You can anticipate when its going to arrive, Davis said.

Discouraging thieves is important because a refund isnt always an option.

A lot of people you buy products from, once they send that tracking number and show that its been delivered to your door, thats it. If it got stolen, youre out of luck, Davis said.

If you have a video monitoring app, its always a good idea to monitor it, so you know whats going on in your neighborhood.

RELATED: Home security makes its way to holiday shopping lists

RELATED: Porch pirates back for the holidays; thief steals package from child in Hillcrest

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Putting porch pirates to a stop before they get to your door - THV11.com KTHV

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio A delivery worker was intending to leave gifts for someone else, but ended up being treated to some himself.

Kathy Ouma, of Cleveland Heights, says she like to leave drinks and snacks out on her porch for drivers to enjoy on their routes after dropping off packages. This week, one worker from Amazon came to the porch to drop off the package, and was more than surprised to see a container of Coke, Oreos, crackers, and more.

Ouma's Ring.com porch camera captured the moment the driver arrived, and she posted the video on Facebook. The footage has now been seen more than four million times.

"That's so nice!..."Wow...This is sweet!" the driver can be heard saying as he takes some goodies. He even did a little dance as he walked back to his truck.

Ouma wrote the driver's reaction "made [her] day!"

RELATED: Merry & bright: The best holiday light displays in Northeast Ohio

RELATED: Cyber Monday sales on track to hit record

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Watch: Amazon delivery worker surprised with free basket of treats on Cleveland Heights porch - WKYC.com

Millions of people are shopping online this holiday season, and local law enforcement is warning the public of potential scams and theft.

Before clicking to buy anything, the Fargo Police Department recommends web shoppers verify that the sites they are using are legitimate. That includes fundraiser pages like GoFundMe. In addition to verifying that a website is secure, police suggest using a credit card for better protection against fraud.

The Federal Trade Commission also has a list of tips on how to avoid phishing scams.

More than 2 billion packages will be shipped now through the end of the year.

Items often arrive on doorsteps just days after they are ordered, and that provides another opportunity for thieves to target web shoppers.

Fargo police Public Information Officer Jessica Schindeldecker has some tips on how to thwart these thieves, often known as porch pirates. One is to keep an eye on package tracking numbers. You can also have packages sent to the post office, to a friend's house or even the office where you work.

Packages can be tracked on these websites:

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How you can thwart scammers and 'porch pirates' - INFORUM

Amazon Prime driver thwarts porch pirate thieves caught on video

Driver waits around corner suspecting pair was targeting deliveries

Updated: 11:24 PM EST Dec 2, 2019

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TERRI: THIS IS VIDEO TAKEN SATURDAY BY A RING DOORBELL CAMERA OF A GIRL GRABBING A PACKAGE THAT HAD JUST BEEN DELIVERED AND THEN TAKING OFF WITH IT. YOU CAN SEE HER COMPANION WAITING FOR HER ON A BIKE. SHE RUNS UP AND GETS ON HER OW BIKE TO MAKE HER GET-AWAY, BUT SHE DOESNT GET FAR. THIS AMAZON DRIVER IN THIS VAN WAS WAITING. >> IVE BEEN DELIVERING PACKAGES FOR AMAZON ALL DAY TODAY. IVE SEEN THEM ON SEACREST. IVE SEEN THEM ALL OVER THE NEIGHBORHOOD. >> OK. TERRI: THATS THE 911 CALL FROM THE DRIVER. SHE TELLS POLICE THE KIDS ON BIKES HAD BEEN FOLLOWING HER AS SHE MADE HER DELIVERIES IN THIS BOYNTON BEACH NEIGHBORHOOD, AND SHE WAS HESITANT TO LEAVE ANY PACKAGES. THE KIDS FINALLY DISAPPEARED, THOUGH, AND SHE LEFT A PACKAGE ON THIS DOORSTEP, WHERE THE GIRL PROMPTLY SHOWED UP AND GRABBED IT. BUT, THE DRIVER HAD CIRCLED AROUND THE BLOCK TO DOUBLE CHECK. >> AS SOON AS THEY SAW ME COMING AROUND THE CORNER, AND I SAW THEM WITH THE BOX, THEY FLEW DOWN THE ROAD. TERRI: THE THIEVES DROPPED THE PACKAGE IN THE BUSHES, AND IT WAS RETURNED TO THE OWNER. BUT WITH THIEVES NOW ACTUALLY TAILING DELIVERY DRIVERS, POLICE MAKE THESE SUGGESTIONS -- CONSIDER HAVING IT DELIVERED TO YOUR COMMUNITYS MANAGEMENT OFFICE OR YOUR PLACE OF BUSINESS, REQUIRE A SIGNATURE FOR DELIVERY OR SCHEDULE DELIVERY IF POSSIBLE FOR WHEN SOMEONES HOME, AND INVEST IN DOORBELL OR HOME VIDEO SURVEILLANCE S

Amazon Prime driver thwarts porch pirate thieves caught on video

Driver waits around corner suspecting pair was targeting deliveries

Updated: 11:24 PM EST Dec 2, 2019

An alert Amazon Prime delivery driver noticed a boy and girl on bikes tailing her truck Saturday afternoon in Boynton Beach so she stopped making deliveries until they rode off.But as soon as she left a package on a doorstep, she circled back around to make sure it stayed there, and saw the same girl running down the street carrying the box.The driver said when the girl saw her Amazon van, she dumped the package in the bushes and took off.The driver called police, who returned the package to the owner and are seeking the porch pirate.Ring doorbell video captured the theft and the Amazon truck driving back to the scene.

An alert Amazon Prime delivery driver noticed a boy and girl on bikes tailing her truck Saturday afternoon in Boynton Beach so she stopped making deliveries until they rode off.

But as soon as she left a package on a doorstep, she circled back around to make sure it stayed there, and saw the same girl running down the street carrying the box.

The driver said when the girl saw her Amazon van, she dumped the package in the bushes and took off.

The driver called police, who returned the package to the owner and are seeking the porch pirate.

Ring doorbell video captured the theft and the Amazon truck driving back to the scene.

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Amazon Prime driver thwarts porch pirate thieves caught on video - WPBF West Palm Beach

A surveillance video shows a crook stealing packages from a front porch.

Unfortunately it seems like we're seeing videos like this almost daily.

It's happening at homes around the desert.

"I definitely think about the safety of our communities in making sure people take precautions when they start having packages shipped for the holidays," said Palm Springs Police Sergeant Mike Casavan.

Casavan says his department does not specifically track cases of porch piracy.

When reported it's simply classified as "petty theft" or "grand theft" depending on the value of what is taken.

But, he says it is happening, especially this time of year at homes throughout the valley.

In fact, people who live in one Palm Desert neighborhood off Frank Sinatra tell us they've seen a lot of it.

"You know it doesn't feel safe, Maybe they break into the house and that is not good," said homeowner Mustafa Cider.

Cider says thankfully his home has not been hit by porch pirates but he is hearing about it happening at homes nearby.

While waiting for his own shipments he is considering steps recommended by security experts and law enforcement.

First is making sure the front door is well lit.

Also consider a security camera.

"Maybe just having surveillance equipment put up at your house so if your packages are stolen, at least we have a video to see who did it, and possibly identify them," said Casavan.

If your package is being shipped by Fed Express use the "hold for pickup" option where you can go to their location to get your package versus having it delivered to your house.

UPS also offers that option.

A workplace is another location where your packages can be delivered where they won't be spotted by a potential porch pirate.

"It's a problem I believe, UPS I think just leave the package, they don't ring or knock on the door," said Cider.

There are also several Amazon "hub lockers" where, if your package is coming from Amazon, you can have that shipment sent .. for pick up at your convenience.

If a porch pirate does take something from your front door, the consumer resource website "Value Penguin" provides a list of steps that you should take as part of an effort to get that shipment back or get the item replaced.

Link:

https://www.valuepenguin.com/home-insurance/6-steps-take-if-your-package-gets-stolen-your-door

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Porch piracy skyrocketing in California; how to stop the thieves - KESQ

HOBOKEN A utility truck pulled up to a busy Hoboken thoroughfare, turned on the hazards and, while the driver stayed put, another man began lobbing packages hed stolen from peoples porches into the back of the truck.

It was within 30 to 60 seconds, Hoboken Detective William Collins said at police headquarters last week. People look out their windows and think, Oh, its just someone working. Nothing wrong here. In that case, we were lucky enough to get the plate and find the driver who later confessed.

Collins said most package thefts ordinarily dont happen that way. The usual MO of package thieves, sometimes referred to as porch pirates, is on foot, which presents an added challenge to the authorities. Now that the holiday season is underway considered peak time for such thefts police departments throughout Hudson County are gearing up to deter people from swiping packages from porches and foyers, and catch the ones that do.

This year, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Kearny have partnered with Amazon as part of an initiative to catch would-be burglars. As part of the program, the city sets up fake Amazon boxes equipped with GPS units and surveillance cameras outside of houses and apartment buildings that have experienced multiple thefts.

Its a crime of opportunity. When someones walking down the street with a package under their arm, or riding a bike, neither police officers nor civilians know that what theyre holding are proceeds of a theft, Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante told The Jersey Journal. We have over 28,000 addresses in Hoboken alone, is a combination of residential and business. Thats 220 intersections. Even if we put a watch at all of the intersections, we would still have package thefts inside our multi-dwelling buildings. So, its very, very tough.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, retail e-commerce sales saw a 13.3 percent surge from the second quarter of 2018 to the second quarter of 2019. Per global data platform, Statista, as generations skew younger more and more shoppers prefer to stay at home and whittle away their shopping lists one click at a time.

Playing defense

This holiday season Kearny, Jersey City, and Hoboken are taking part in the Amazon initiative.

We were first on the East Coast to implement this type of package theft sting (in 2018), and were proud to serve as a model for other areas now implementing similar strategies to combat the issue, Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said. The goal of the program is not just to catch the thieves, but more to deter these crimes altogether.

The boxes are provided free of charge from Amazon.

Wallace-Scalcione estimated that between 400 and 500 package thefts took place in Jersey City in 2018, per information provided by Amazon.

Eight minutes after we dropped the first bait package (last year), it was picked up, she said.

In addition to decoys, officials in Hoboken and Kearny said they are providing Ring doorbells to homeowners that are likely to be targeted.

California-based company Ring connects its video doorbell to the residents home Wi-Fi network and sends real-time notifications to their mobile device when someone arrives at their door.

A 2018 pilot program which included the donation of over 500 Ring doorbells to two Newark neighborhoods saw burglaries reduced by more than 50 percent from April through July in comparison with the same span of time in 2017, according to a company announcement.

Wallace-Scalcione added that although some areas get hit more than others, no one is immune to these thefts. Even Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop fell victim to a package thief prior to his wifes baby shower in December 2018.

Hoboken had 192 package thefts reported in 2018 and 107 so far in 2019.

We have designated areas where we want to concentrate whether it be the steps of a home or inside of a building where well have surveillance set up, said Collins. The owners of the buildings are aware of it.

Kearny Sgt. Michael Gonzalez said when heard about Jersey Citys success with the anti-theft program, preparations began in his city as well.

We usually have a patrol monitoring these types of incidents, but were going to give this program a try, said Gonzalez. I wouldnt say its a huge issue here, but like any other town you see a spike during the holidays. I know its clich, but I think we should still adhere to the see something, say something rule. If you see someone lurking around, report it and well get a car to the area.

Officials in North Bergen and Union City said they are also providing residents with Ring doorbell systems.

"Since Jan. 1, we have only had 19 incidents of packages stolen, which is significantly low for an urban community, said North Bergen Police Chief Robert Dowd, who noted that 15 of those ended in arrests. However, we always want to improve these numbers.

North Bergen had a total of 45 package thefts in 2018.

In Union City, spokesperson Erin Knoedler noted that Mayor Brian Stack hosts over a hundred community meetings throughout the year wherein they advise residents to reports any suspicious activity.

We have a multi-pronged approach, said Knoedler. We believe the main thing is to educate the public.

What you can do

Bayonne police Lt. Eric Amato has some suggestions for residents as well.

People should try to schedule the delivery for when theyll be home, if possible, or indicate if there is someplace the delivery can be made where it is not easily visible, possibly in a shed or yard, said Amato, who noted that Bayonne had 94 package thefts in 2018 and slightly more than 50 this year. Amazon has pick-up locations and also offer a hub locker, where once the item is delivered an e-mail is sent with a code so the customer can retrieve it.

In West New York, which had 14 package thefts in December 2018 alone, Director Mark Flores agreed that arranging to have packages delivered where the customer knows a person will be can make a big difference.

Flores noted that residents could arrange to have the package left with a neighbor. Our patrol units and walking officers will [also] be extra vigilant in monitoring suspicious activity, he added.

Police departments also suggest that residents require a signature when they make an order online and additionally, consider having packages delivered to their workplace.

A non-violent crime

Considering package thefts fall under the non-violent crime category, Ferrante said porch pirates can strike with alarming frequency, even after they are caught.

We have law enforcement apprehending these individuals but then (because of the type of crime) theyre on the block the following day, Ferrante said, who noted that when an address is victimized that location is 50 percent more likely to be re-burglarized the following day. Victims dont always have the patience we do."

Ferrante pointed to an arrest his department made in January of 33-year-old David Diaz.

Diaz, a serial package thief, was charged in January with stealing packages from residential buildings on four occasions in one month, according to court records. Two of the thefts were three days apart.

One last big thing we try to educate people on has to do with condo buildings, said Collins. When residents pull out of garages, especially in the morning when theyre leaving for work, theyre a block or two away before the door starts coming back down.

"It doesnt come down for at least a minute or two, which can then present an opportunity.

Screen grab from Ring doorbell v

A man is seen in a screen grab from a Ring doorbell video stealing a package from outside a home on Mallory Avenue in Jersey City.

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'Tis the porch pirate season, but Hudson County communities are fighting back - NJ.com

Q: Ive lived in my home awhile now and want to freshen up the look and feel without remodeling. What can I do with my space to make it feel new again?

A: Redecorating your home is a great way to give it a quick and easy upgrade without the cost or hassle of a remodel. As you begin to think about how you want to redesign your space, consider these cardinal interior-design rules to help you in your planning.

Create a focal point. The first question you should ask when planning your room is where the main focus will be. Where can you do something special that will draw the eye? Choose only one focal point a wall across from the entrance, for instance and do it well. Pay special attention to lighting. Add texture to a wall, a contrasting color, or a vignette of furnishings and artwork. A room without a focus is lost in space.

Hang art at eye-level. One of the most common mistakes people make when installing artwork is to hang it too high. Art looks best when it hangs where you can see it, at eye level. This means roughly two-thirds of the artwork should be below eye level and one third above. This rule might be slightly altered when hanging art over furniture like a buffet, sofa or console table; in that case, the bottom of the frame should be 4 to 8 inches above the furniture. When artwork hangs above a mantel or headboard which are often higher than the average sofa this gap should be smaller.

Use the right rug size. Too-small rugs make spaces feel small and incomplete. Rugs should be proportionate to the room. In a bigger room, where the furniture is nearer the center of the space, the rug should be big enough to fit all the furniture on it. In a smaller living room, where the furniture is closer to the walls, the rug should extend into the space under the furniture, but still leave about a foot of bare floor showing at the edges.

Let furniture breathe. Never push your upholstered seating up to the wall. No matter how small the room, there should be at least a 2-inch gap between the wall and seating. This breathing space will make the room feel more spacious. Equally important is that armoires, console tables and bookcases should never be lined up along the wall next to one another.

Light things up. Lighting is the most important design element in your home. When done well, it creates a sense of depth and atmosphere, while still providing sufficient light where needed. Lighting should come from different sources at different heights, such as wall sconces and ceiling lights. The soft light of table and floor lamps adds ambiance; you can never have too many lamps. Where possible, install dimmer switches.

Use mirrors. Mirrors are indispensable as a design tool. Because they reflect light and objects in interesting and useful ways, designers often use mirrors to correct architectural flaws, create the illusion of more space and bring light deeper into a room. If you have an awkward, dark or narrow room, or just want to maximize the view from a window, a mirror in the right spot can save the day.

Design with layers. When a room feels incomplete or wrong, our first thought is to question the bigger things like the layout, the furniture or the colors. While these are important, the answer often lies in the smaller things. In a room that feels right, you will find layers of pillows and throws, artwork, and compositions of accessories, books, lamps and flowers. Layers are like blankets they make us feel comfortable.

Mia Hannom is the owner of In Form Design, a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, remodeling or residential homebuilding question youd like answered by one of MBAKSs nearly 2,800 members, write to homework@mbaks.com.

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Planning to redecorate? These pro tips are designed to help - Seattle Times