Pope County sheriff warns residents of porch thefts

GOLCONDA, Ill. (KBSI) – The Pope County sheriff is on the lookout after reports of boxes and packages taken off people’s porches.

Sheriff Jerry Suits reccently posted a letter to citizens on the sheriff’s department’s Facebook page.

“I am reminding citizens to be aware of this information and call us immediately if you catch/see anyone unauthorized on porches or near homes. WE will respond! I’ve been reading and seen reports on Television of these types of incidentns in our surrounding areas. Just today I observed several Trucks unloading boxes from UPS and FED EX in Golconda and Pope County which I assume are Christmas Gifts. WE don’t want anyone’s Christmas to be ruined. IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR FOLKS! CALL US IF YOU NEED US!”

“Am I concerned about it? I am,” said Sheriff Jerry Suits. “Are we doing something about it? I feel like we’re attempting to do something about it.”

What Pope County Sheriff Jerry suits is referring to is a recent phone call he received about a missing Amazon package from a man’s porch.

“He had cameras, and he did see one person he had identified as a pink jacket on, he thought was a female that had taken the package,” said Sheriff Suits.

It was also reported that some surrounding communities are having the same experience. He advises communities to take extra steps to prevent future thefts.

“Make sure your neighbors are maybe know that ‘Hey I’m not going to be here today, I am expecting a package through UPS or the postal service, and can you take a look out?’” said Sheriff Suits.

He goes on to say, if anyone notices suspicious vehicles in their neighborhood to notify the authorities, because porch theft comes with consequences.

“So, I think we’re looking at some charges,” said Sheriff Suits. “We’re looking at theft anyway. If it’s under $500, it’s not as bad. If it’s over $500 we’re talking about a felony. “

That can lead to time in jail.

“Nobody wants a felony on their record,” said Sheriff Suits. “I think we’re talking about criminal trespassing.”

Safewise.com says an estimate of 119 million packages were stolen off porches across the U.S. in the past year.