They are becoming bolder and more common. So called, "porch pirates," are striking year-round.
If there's a package left outside, there's a strong risk it may be taken.
Law enforcement agencies like the Omaha Police Department are using technology like "Ring the Doorbell" in conjunction with social media to track down thieves.
Sarpy County Sheriff's Deputy Nick Palmer tweeted out a warning this week. He says a woman stole a package off his front porch on Saturday.
Luckily, Omaha Police were able to find the package and return it to Deputy Palmer but they need the public's help to track down the woman shown in the pictures. Law enforcement had ID'd the woman using social media.
Cases like this one are one way police utilize social media like Twitter and Facebook to locate suspects.
"We actually had someone identified - one of our first posts on Twitter - within 8 hours of when we posted it," said Lt. Pat Rowland with the Omaha Police Department. "And he was identified by his parole officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I mean that's how far once we put it out there, that it's going to be for people to view it and identify folks."
The Omaha Police Department is also looking for another alleged porch pirate. They tweeted out these pictures of a man who stole a package in Midtown.
OPD says the best way to protect your property is to have packages delivered to a safe location; have a neighbor pick up your mail when it's delivered; reschedule deliveries or require a signature; and consider investing in a surveillance camera.
If you recognize a suspect seen on social media, Omaha Police welcome information on their identities and where these people can be located...
You can contact Crime Stoppers at 402-444- STOP.
They never learn! Another porch pirate preying on innocents. Stole a package from a midtown porch. Let #OPD know who he is. Report AK51069. #doorbellcam #despicable #thief via @OPDCrimeStop pic.twitter.com/yVHmdP6kMv
— Omaha Police Dept (@OmahaPolice) April 11, 2018
Shout out to @OmahaPolice for recovering my stolen property! I fell victim to a porch pirate on Saturday. @SarpySheriff and @OmahaPolice are still looking for the suspect Chiann Lang-Bridgeford if you know her whereabouts please contact @OPDCrimeStop @SarpyCrimeStop pic.twitter.com/60r7ItZpgz
— Nick Palmer (@SCSODepPalmer) April 10, 2018
