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Allandale residents stepping up against package thieves

Published  December 4, 2015 9:21pm CST
News
FOX 7 Austin

Shoppers spent a record breaking $3 billion on Cyber Monday. That means more packages are being dropped off on front porches and more thieves taking advantage.

According to a new InsuranceQuotes.com report, more than 23 million Americans have had packages stolen from their homes.

Earlier this week in Allandale, multiple neighbors said they caught thieves in action. 

“A blue car was seen driving behind (or) near the UPS truck and going into driveways and a couple packages being taken from porches,” said Laura DiCarlo, who runs the Allandale Neighborhood Watch Program.

Allandale residents said it was a young man and woman in a dark SUV. The man was driving following the delivery truck, while the woman ran to porches snatching packages.

“She actually saw them going up to another house and the dogs were barking and scared them away,” said DiCarlo.

The Austin Police Department said criminals will be looking for any opportunities this holiday season.

“Our suggestion is that you try track everything. Have it delivered to somewhere you're going to be, like a place of work. Somebody else’s residence, like a friend or family member that you know is going to be home whenever they deliver,” said Austin Police Officer Veneza Bremner.

Officer Bremner said residents need to be vigilant. “The best bet is for people to call in suspicious persons, suspicious vehicles, if the see something happening or something that doesn't belong, you know following a FedEx truck, or a UPS truck, or a postal service around.”

Allandale residents want the thieves to know, they are watching. “Some people do have cameras that they have chosen to install and all that,” DiCarlo said.

With today’s technology, Officer Bremner said it’s only a matter of time.

With neighbors looking out and a lot of surveillance out there, I mean you're going to get caught, at some point or another.”

APD said if you do have a package stolen to call them ad file a police report. Many companies won't replace the item without one.