Springfield, MO – Holiday deliveries are picking up across Missouri this week, and deputies in Greene County are warning residents to take extra precautions as package thefts rise. With doorstep drop-offs at their highest level of the year, officials say this is prime time for so-called porch pirates who capitalize on fast, unattended deliveries.
According to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, thefts can happen “in seconds,” often before homeowners even receive a delivery alert. The office issued a public notice Monday urging residents throughout Greene County and the surrounding Springfield metro to secure packages whenever possible.
Deputies said the increase in reports typically begins in late November and continues through Christmas week as retailers push major holiday discounts and shipping volume surges. Many incidents occur during daytime hours, often when residents are away at work.
To help reduce thefts, the sheriff’s office is recommending several preventative steps: be home when a delivery is expected, ask a trusted neighbor to retrieve packages, use pick-up lockers or store-held delivery options, or install a secure delivery box. The office also encourages residents to request signatures on high-value packages or coordinate precise drop-off windows when available.
Officials say community awareness can play a major role in deterring suspects. “Working together, we can slow crime down in our neighborhoods,” the sheriff’s office noted in its advisory.
Residents who witness suspicious activity around porches, delivery trucks, or neighborhood mailboxes are urged to contact local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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