Tis the season for many things — many good and others not.

Clarendon Hills police received a report Dec. 1 from a resident who witnessed an unknown person stealing eight delivered retail packages off their front porch. The male suspect was captured on doorbell camera video while the theft took place, police said. As the victim was pulling into their driveway, they encountered the suspect as he hurried back to an occupied small red SUV waiting in the roadway, which fled from the scene.

“It’s common for a subject to drive the offending vehicle, and there is a second subject who exits the vehicle to pick up the packages,” said Clarendon Hills Chief of Police Ed Leinweber.

He said smaller packages are easier to transport and allow for a larger number of items to be taken.

“It’s common for offenders to observe packages from the street view that are on porches,” Leinweber said, adding the thieves may wear a delivery vest and also may carry another victim’s package when they approach.

“It may occur during the day, the early morning or later in the evening,” Leinweber said.

He said package thefts are frequent, but also under-reported, estimating that only 25% of such incidents are reported to police.

“When package thefts are reported, they are most likely delayed and lack pertinent information, which makes it challenging to investigate any leads,” Leinweber said. “It’s common for victims to not sign complaints and not identify suspects or an offending vehicle due to lack of information.”

It’s also typical that stolen items are not found, especially if they don’t have a unique identifier, including a serial number, he said. It’s common for package thefts to not be prosecuted due to lack of information, and package thefts can be linked to other crimes, including identity theft.

Leinweber stressed that reporting package thefts is a good idea, and in some cases the victim may need a police report to be reimbursed by the company from which items were purchased.

He said security cameras are extremely helpful if there is a recording feature to capture the crime that occurred, identify an offender and identify an offending vehicle that was involved.

“Security cameras may deter a theft from occurring, since it’s a preventative measure,” Leinweber said. “(We) need physical evidence, such as video footage, photographs, or witnesses to aid in an investigation and for successful prosecution.”

He said package theft is an issue year-round; however, such incidents significantly increase near the holidays.

Leinweber offered suggestions that may help in avoiding package thefts:

• Immediately bring in packages after delivery.

• Install exterior cameras and/or an audio/video doorbell with a recording feature.

• Use a locker/box at the post office.

• Request a signature to confirm delivery.

• Request delivery drivers to place packages in a secured lock box or place packages out of sight, away from street view.

• Choose to ship to store for pickup.

• Ship to a secure location if no one at the residence will be present.

Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. 

 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/08/clarendon-hills-porch-piracy-tips/