OCSO Increases Patrols To Deter Porch Pirates

The holiday season is here and for many that means packages are being left on porches.

The Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office is boosting patrols to help crack down on porch pirates trying to steal those packages.

Investigator Michael Belanger said it doesn't take much to fall victim to a porch pirate.

“This is a good example of how easy it is for a porch pirate to come steal something because the post office left it here in the mailbox just sticking out. You know really kind of just over the curve, so a passenger would be able to pull this out,” Belanger said.

Belanger said the point of the patrols isn't just to deter crime, but to remind folks to be aware of anyone looking to score big at their expense for the holidays.

“With COVID, packages getting delivered to your house are up and that's going to give, once again, opportunity for people to do that. People feel, they just truly feel victimized, like, 'Hey, I bought this with my hard earned money, I purchased this.' Because I don't know about you guys but I value every dollar that comes into my house,” Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommy Johnson said.

A few tips Johnson has are tracking your packages, developing a good relationship with your neighbors and for delivery workers to be cautious of folks following your route.

The sheriff's department said they've been doing holiday patrols for many years.

This year, the sheriff's office has noticed an increase in porch piracy in the Newalla area, but they said it could happen anywhere.