With the holiday season approaching, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is once again preparing a proactive operation to help deter and catch package thieves, commonly referred to as “porch pirates.” Each year, deputies see an increase in package thefts during November and December, and community participation continues to be one of the most effective tools in combating these crimes.
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking volunteers from unincorporated areas of Washoe County who are willing to offer their porches as part of this year’s holiday package theft prevention operation. Selected homes will assist deputies in gathering real-time information and identifying potential suspects in targeted neighborhoods over the coming weeks.
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to complete the volunteer form at: https://forms.gle/eqKwRkjhRBc2zSRF9
Community involvement has played a vital role in the success of past operations, and we appreciate the continued support of our residents. If your home is selected for participation, you will receive an email with additional instructions and details.
Along with supporting this effort, residents can take simple steps to reduce the likelihood of package theft:
• Track packages and arrange to be home for delivery, or ask a trusted neighbor to bring them inside.
• Consider having packages delivered to your workplace if permitted.
• Require a signature upon delivery when possible.
• Use secure parcel lockers offered by many retailers and carriers.
• Install security cameras in visible locations to deter criminal activity.
• Report suspicious behavior immediately to law enforcement.
By working together, we can help reduce package thefts and keep our neighborhoods safer throughout the holiday season.
