Gresham Police Start Using 'Bait' Packages To Catch Porch Pirates

GRESHAM, OR – "Thieves beware! We are watching." That was the message Tuesday from the Gresham Police Department as they announced a new program to stop the porch pirates who have been pilfering packages throughout the city.

They are placing "bait packages" throughout the city on people's porches.

These packages contain GPS trackers so if they're stolen, police will be able to track them down.

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The Washington County Sheriff's Office has a similar program and last week caught a driver with several stolen packages.

"It infuriates me that thieves target Gresham families this time of year, attempting to steal packages from folks who just want to provide holiday gifts for their loved ones," Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis says.

"I am very excited for this initiative to snare suspects and put everybody on notice that we're watching."

Gresham is working with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office and the US Postal Service.

Photo of stolen packages recovered recently during a bait package sting via Washington County Sheriff's Office.