Doorbell camera helps capture porch pirate

On Dec. 12 at 3:24 p.m. in the 4000 block of Morningside Ave., officers with the Sioux City Police Department took 37-year-old Casey Andersen into custody on warrants issued for his arrest. 

While arresting Andersen, officers noticed that not only did he match the description of a suspect who took packages off of a front porch in the 2200 block of S. Olive St. on Dec. 9, but he was also wearing the exact same clothes at the time of his arrest. This determination was based on doorbell camera footage provided by the victim of the theft. 

Officers booked Andersen into Woodbury County Jail for his warrants and also charged him with the Dec. 9 theft. 

Further investigations into Andersen have connected him to an additional theft of packages on Dec. 8 in the 5000 block of Glenn Ave and charges have been referred to the Woodbury County Attorney's Office in that matter. 

The doorbell camera footage provide was very valuable in connecting Andersen to these thefts. We encourage victims of package thefts to report the thefts and thank neighbors willing to provide valuable video evidence. 

Tips to stop porch pirates from making off with your loot

Online shopping makes holiday gift buying convenient especially with delivery to your front door. This front door service is also convenient for thieves commonly referred to as “porch pirates.”

Last holiday season, the Sioux City Police Department saw an increase of packages stolen from porches and expects the trend to continue.

With that in mind, here are some tips to reduce the chances of a porch pirate making off with your online order.

Pay attention to tracking information and if possible, be home or have someone you trust pick up your package after it is delivered.

Have your orders sent to your place of employment if they will allow it or have the delivery company hold on to it for you.

Choose the ‘sign for release’ option of delivery. That way, the delivery service has to hand your delivery to a person.

If you are a victim of a theft, report it to law enforcement. If you have surveillance cameras, share that footage with law enforcement also. Check with your neighbors to see if they have surveillance cameras and if they would have any footage around the time of theft.

Keep your porch well lit. It is getting dark earlier and it may be dark before you get home. A well-lit porch may help your neighbor keep an eye out for thieves.

One of the biggest things to emphasis is be a good neighbor and watch out for each other. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity such as cars following delivery trucks or casing neighborhoods. If you see people taking packages or any suspicious activity, report it to police.