Organized Grinches Steal Packages Off Tacoma Porches - Map

Tis the season to arrange pickup directly from the Post Office or UPS. Reports are coming in from all over Tacoma of mail thieves stealing packages directly off porches, sometimes even when victims are home. In some cases, thieves are reportedly posing as delivery drivers, picking up full packages and replacing them with empty boxes from other victims.

Other reports indicate that thieves are working in groups, canvassing neighborhoods with a central pickup location.

Are we seeing an unusual number of mail thefts this year? I emailed Tacoma Police Department Spokesperson Mark Fulghum but have not yet heard back. In December of 2009, there were 24 mail thefts reported city-wide, making it by far the busiest month for this type of crime. I am sure thefts are typically under-reported. If you have been a victim of the Tacoma Grinch(es), comment with your cross streets and I'll add you to the map. Don't forget to also notify law enforcement, a police report can be filed online. (Appears to only work in Internet Explorer, which is a crime in and of itself.)

View Tacoma Package Thefts in a larger map

Easy map link: http://bit.ly/tacomagrinch