Residents advised to watch out for porch pilferers

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is investigating a series of thefts of packages from residents' front porches stolen after delivery but before owners were able to retrieve them.

The thefts accelerated over the holidays, but sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Jim Halsey said the problem occurs all year.

Missing items ranging from $700 in gift cards and toys at a Kimmerling Road address to a $35 Christmas wreath on Spruce Street in Gardnerville were reported last month.

The thefts were reported throughout the Valley, and officers believe there are several suspects.

In each case, the property owner confirmed with United Parcel Service or Federal Express that a package had been delivered to the address.

"Get to know your neighbors so they can keep an eye out for your property while you are gone," Halsey said. "If they know you, they will likely know which vehicles or people belong at your house while you are away."

In one case, a witness said a car seemed to be following a delivery truck and pulled into a driveway, grabbing the package from the porch and speeding away.

Halsey recommended that in ordering a item, request delivery only when someone is home and can sign for it.

"If you know you will not be home, ask a friend or neighbor if you can have the package delivered to them for a signature and you can collect it from them afterward," he said.

Halsey also suggested having packages delivered to work, if the employer allows it.

If a neighbor sees something suspicious, Halsey said they should contact the sheriff's office dispatch at 782-9911 or call 911 in an emergency.

"Give as much detail as possible on the vehicle and suspect description, for example, color, make and model of the vehicle, the type " coupe, sedan, SUV " license plate and direction of travel if the suspect leaves the scene before deputies arrive," he said.

Suspect description should include sex, age, hair color and style, clothing description, Halsey said.