TAMPA, Fla. — The search is on for two people who reportedly stole several packages from the doorsteps of a home last week in Tampa.
At around 11:42 p.m. on Nov. 20, two people took the items from the home located on Watrous Avenue, the Tampa Police Department said in a news release.
In a video posted by the police department, the two people appear to be dressed in all black with one of them wearing a face mask. Both have jackets on and a hoodie over their heads.
They are seen walking up to the doorsteps of the front door of the home, and after they grab the packages, the two quickly run away and head down the street on foot.
Authorities are now asking for the public's help to find the accused thieves.
"Package thefts are a crime of opportunity," Tampa Chief of Police Lee Bercaw said in a statement. "There is no greater opportunity than now when many residents have multiple packages delivered several times a week.
"Porch pirates are looking for easy targets, but even the smallest efforts in protecting and concealing your valuables can make all the difference and help prevent you from becoming a victim."
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call TPD at 813-231-6130. People can also submit an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-873-8477.
With the holidays just around the corner, many people may be ordering gifts or other items that will be shipped to homes in packages. That's why the police department recommends the following to help lower people's risk of becoming potential targets:
- Buy a porch lock box that receives packages and keeps them safe, such as lock boxes that can only be unlocked with a key or combination
- Use app features that help track a package, and ask a friend, neighbor or family member to pick up your packages once they've been delivered
- Require workers who are dropping off packages to receive a signature from you upon delivery, if possible
- Request for packages to be delivered at secure locations, such as Amazon lockers, FedEx or UPS stores
- If you have to deliver a package directly to a person, let them know in advance and ask if they have a delivery preference