SPOKANE, Wash. — As package thefts throughout Spokane increase, the Spokane Police Department is beginning to implement a new ‘bait’ package program to catch thieves.
This is the time of year when we all start buying Christmas gifts for all of our loved ones. But as our gifts are sent to our doorsteps, some people are attempting to put a damper on all of the festive feelings.
Not only are these “porch pirates” steal items that came out of that victim’s check, but it also damages their sense of security.
These package thefts are being caught on security cameras outside of homes. The victims of porch pirates have then posted these videos all over social media to see if anyone in the community could identify them.
Many residents around Spokane have had hundreds of dollars stolen from their front steps to ruin their Christmas cheer.
Now, Spokane Police Department’s Stolen Property Enforcement and Recovery unit (SPEAR) is working to curb these package thefts by implementing a variety of investigative strategies.
SPEAR investigators are working on numerous theft cases and some suspects have already been identified and arrested. They have been reviewing footage from security cameras to help identify these suspects, but need the public’s help.
On SPD’s Facebook page, they will be posting photos in an album labeled “Package Theft Investigations.” If you scroll through the album and recognize a suspect, email thefttips@spokanepolice.org.
In this email, SPD asks you to include the identity of the person along with the corresponding report number associated with the photo.
Along with this, SPEAR will begin to implement a “bait” package program. To start this, they will be working with home and business owners by monitoring packages through a variety of means in order to apprehend thieves.
If you have been a victim of a package theft, please report it to Crime Check by calling (509) 456-2233 or go to the Spokane County Regional Emergency Communications website to file a report.
