Law enforcement warns of porch pirates this holiday season

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — Local law enforcement is warning residents in southern Colorado about porch pirates as the year ends.

“We always see a spike in porch pirates when the holidays approach, especially Christmas,” said Jacqueline Kirby, a spokesperson for El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

Porch pirates are people who steal packages delivered to your porch.

Linda Neill, the customer relations manager in southern Colorado for USPS, says people should plan ahead and check their mail everyday.

“We always say that if you’re going on vacation or going away for an extended time, please put your mail on hold,” Neill said. “Another great resource is when you’re sending a package, you can request signature confirmation so that that package has to be signed for by the recipient.”

Kirby says these thefts can happen to anyone at any time. But lately, many residents have been capturing the crime through security or doorbell cameras; in some cases helping catch the thief.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office typically can use the surveillance videos during the investigation if they show information such as the robber’s clothing, height, race or their vehicle.

“Any kind of identifying information that that surveillance footage can hold is going to be helpful for law enforcement,” Kirby said.