Police Department

SPD Targets Package Theft

Julie Humphreys, Public Safety Communication Manager, 509.625.5868

Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 4:24 p.m.

Update: 07/07/2023

SPD is launching a new program to combat package theft just in time for holiday shopping

Package theft plagues communities across the country, and Spokane is not immune. Package thieves thrive because the crime is relatively easy to commit; items are frequently left unattended and can be stolen in a matter of seconds.

There is an assumption package theft is committed with relative impunity; that catching and holding these thieves accountable is too difficult or not a priority. SPD is taking steps to counter that perception and catch package thieves.  Now through the holiday shopping season, SPD has an officer dedicated to investigating these incidents utilizing security camera footage obtained by citizens.

Here is how the program works: SPD has an album titled “Theft investigations: Help us identify!” on our Facebook page. There, you’ll find pictures of individuals SPD would like to identify relating to an active investigation. Just because an individual is depicted in the album is not an indication or guilt or wrong doing, it simply means SPD investigators would like them identified as they may have pertinent information relating to an investigation. Community members can view the album, and submit tips relating to the identities of the individuals to thefttips@spokanepolice.org. The dedicated investigator will follow up on leads, and charge individuals when probable cause is established.

What can you do? First, if you are the victim of a package theft please report that information to crime check either via phone at 509-456-2233, or online. If you have security camera footage of the incident please note it in an online report, or notify the report taker while speaking with them on the phone. Save any footage you have, and if it is needed an investigator will contact you and provide upload instructions so that footage can be viewed by the investigator. Still photos can be uploaded to the online report.

Secondly, look through the “Theft investigations: Help us identify” album on our Facebook regularly. If you recognize someone, please notify us via the thefttips@spokanepolice.org email. You can request to be anonymous. Each package theft incident will have a case number. There may be multiple pictures in one case. Please specify the case number AND the photo number/s you are referring to in your email.

Lastly, take proactive measures to ensure you aren’t a victim. One of the best ways to avoid having your packages stolen is to minimize the amount of time a package sits outside your door. Coordinate with neighbors or have a package delivered to a place of work if you aren’t going to be home. Try and arrange your porch in such a fashion that a package can be left where it won’t be visible from the roadway. You are advised not to confront porch pirates.

SPD is committed to working with the community to reduce this far-too-common crime. This program will only be successful with community support. With your help we can significantly lessen the incidents of package theft and restore a sense of security for residents.

See this video for more; https://vimeo.com/652685724

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