Staff / El Paso newspaper
Thursday March 4, 2021 | 17:48
At least two thieves have become a nightmare for the Las Cruces Police (LCPD). Reports show that parcel delivery vehicles track and steal goods outside the homes where they are delivered.
On January 25, shortly before 11 a.m., a FedEx van equipped with a dashboard camera recorded a video of the suspected vehicle as a passenger walked into a house and stole a package that had just been delivered. The recipient of that package also witnessed the event.
Las Cruces police received the video from FedEx and identified the suspected vehicle as a gray Hyundai Sonata. The registered owner of the vehicle was also identified. The owner told the police that he regularly lends the car to friends and acquaintances. The LCPD is asking the public for help in identifying the driver of the gray Hyundai and the passenger seen stealing a package from Burley Ct’s 1300 block. Police believe the couple are responsible for other similar robberies.
Consumers may also consider purchasing package content insurance when delivery is scheduled. Insuring items does not prevent them from being stolen, but it does help provide refunds if items are lost.
Anyone with information about your identity should call the police at (575) 526-0795. Las Cruces Police Department is actively conducting a stabbing operation to combat porch piracy. The operation has already resulted in an arrest.
Take note:
Las Cruces police officers suggest following these tips to help prevent entryway hacking:
Track deliveries online and try to be at home when the packages are delivered.
Requires a signature for all home delivery packages.
When planning a delivery, leave instructions on where the package can be delivered.
Request electronic notification when delivery has taken place.
Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to receive your package upon delivery.
If possible, have the package delivered to your workplace or to a place where you know it can be safely received.
Schedule online purchases from major retailers for delivery to your local retailer where you can arrange for curbside pickup.
Have the package delivered to a FedEx or UPS store, where it can be kept for collection.
Consider installing a motion-sensing home security system, such as Ring of Nest, that records video and sends instant notification of activity to your smartphone.
Be a good neighbor, watch out for suspicious activity, and call the police if you see them.