"Porch pirates" could be the Grinch that steals your Christmas, Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer told the Mount Vernon News.
"I just sent a reminder out to our patrol deputies and detectives to monitor that type of activity when they are out driving around," the sheriff said. "We certainly understand that there will be an enhanced number of packages left this time of year."
So far this holiday season, the Sheriff's Office has not received many reports of stolen packages, Shaffer said.
"We've had rashes of them in the past, but so far this year we haven't seen an increase in calls," he said. "But we realize that this time of year, it's certainly a likelihood."
It helps if homeowners have cameras to catch porch pirates on video, Shaffer said.
"That helps confirm or at least get descriptions on suspicious vehicles," he said. "They've been helpful with some of our cases in the past."
Another way to slow down porch pirates is to know your neighbors, Shaffer said.
"I know people aren't always as tight with their neighbors as in the past, but if you know your neighbor and trust them, you can encourage each other to keep a watch out for packages," the sheriff said. "You might ask them if they see a package delivered to put it somewhere where it's not visible. Or, if you are going to be gone for a couple of days, maybe they could take it to their house."
Also, if you see a suspicious vehicle at your neighbor's house, you can always call law enforcement.
"That has definitely helped us with cases before," Shaffer said.
Some businesses will also allow customers to have their packages delivered there, the sheriff said.
