Palos Park Police Proactively Patrolling For Porch Pirates

PALOS PARK, IL — Palos Park police are proactively patrolling for porch pirates in residential neighborhoods as people than ever are avoiding brick-and-mortar stores and shopping online during the pandemic during the holiday season.

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute reported 1.7 million packages are lost or stolen in the United States every day, resulting in $25 million in losses.

“We realize that it can be frustrating, because you paid for something and then it’s gone, said Chief Joe Miller of the Palos Park Police Department. “Package thefts used to be during the holidays, but with Amazon delivering 16 hours a day it’s just really continuous.”

Miller said package thieves are becoming bolder and more aggressive, following Amazon, UPS and USPS delivery trucks until the see a package being delivered and grab it.

“Unfortunately, it’s Christmas every day for these guys, with so many people shopping online,” Miller said. “They sell product they can use. It’s a quick way for addicts to get money for drugs.”

Cook County Sheriff’s Police have seen an uptick in package thefts in unincorporated Palos. Recently, boxes addressed to Lemont residents along with product were found on the side of 123rd Street.

“I’m speculating that the thieves were rifling through the boxes, taking what they wanted and tossing stuff out the window,” Miller said. “They want to get rid of the boxes as quickly as they can. If police stop them and see a box addressed to someone else, it would mean evidence. They can be matched to a description from another town.”

Palos Park police hope to deter porch pirates by maintaining high visibility in residential areas and by having patrol cars following delivery trucks.

“The residential patrols are a matter of upholding the quality of life for the people of Palos Park. Everyone is hurting right now, and we must find ways to stop this." Police Commissioner Dan Polk said. “If we can catch them that would be great, but we can also work to discourage and deter them."

Review these tips to prevent package thefts:

• Track your deliveries and get them indoors as soon as possible.
• Install a doorbell camera or home security system.
• Select an in-store or curbside pickup option.
• Ship packages to your workplace.
• Keep packages safe by having them delivered to FedEx or UPS stores, or ask your neighbors to take your packages in when you’re not home.
• Get to know your delivery driver. When something does goes awry, you’ll be able to ask your driver questions.