PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A man dressed in a burgundy sweatsuit and carrying a green bag was caught on video stealing packages from a porch in the Olney neighborhood, according to a resident who shared the footage to warn others.<\/p>\n
“He had on a burgundy sweatsuit, and a green pillow case with packages, people’s packages in it,” said Audrey Johnson, who said one of her packages was taken.<\/p>\n
In the video, a neighbor can be heard yelling at the man as he walks away. Johnson said she hopes the video reminds people to be vigilant as holiday deliveries increase.<\/p>\n
“He just need to get a job and find a life, ’cause that don’t make no sense. People work hard to get what they have,” Johnson said.<\/p>\n
Her neighbor, Margarita Diaz, said she has already taken extra precautions.<\/p>\n
“I had to put signs and I had to get another bell because the other one wouldn’t ring that loud, so I had to get two bells instead of one,” Diaz said.<\/p>\n
Package thefts are on the rise in Philadelphia. Police data shows nearly 2,700 reported thefts through November last year, compared to more than 2,800 this year. Authorities believe the actual number is higher.<\/p>\n
“We do feel as though that there are a lot of these crimes that are happening that are just not being reported,” said Sgt. Eric Gripp of the Philadelphia Police Department. “If you are a victim of a porch pirate, even if your item is replaced, we’re asking that you report it to the police.”<\/p>\n
Police say December is typically the worst month for package thefts. In one recent case, a thief returned a package after being spotted by a neighbor.<\/p>\n
Johnson said she plans to keep watch and alert others.<\/p>\n
“The Grinch come to steal Christmas,” she said.<\/p>\n
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