Mentor Police Take Action to Combat Porch Piracy During Holiday Season

MENTOR, OH — With holiday shopping in full swing and online sales continuing to soar, the Mentor Police Department is ramping up efforts to curb the rise of porch piracy. These crimes, which often target packages left on doorsteps, typically increase during the holidays as thieves seek to capitalize on the surge in home deliveries.

Porch piracy is largely a crime of opportunity. Thieves often follow delivery trucks or drive through neighborhoods looking for packages that can be quickly taken and resold.

To combat the issue, the Mentor Police Department's undercover Porch Pirate detail, established in 2020, is back in operation. Officers are patrolling neighborhoods in unmarked vehicles, employing surveillance equipment, and strategically deploying bait boxes equipped with GPS tracking devices. These proactive measures aim to deter thefts and catch perpetrators in the act.

Residents are urged to take steps to safeguard their deliveries. Tracking online orders, promptly retrieving packages, and investing in security cameras are recommended. Police also emphasize the importance of community vigilance. Neighbors are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles or activities to law enforcement, providing details such as suspect descriptions, vehicle license plates, or information about stolen property.

First-time offenders convicted of misdemeanor theft in Mentor could face up to six months in jail, demonstrating the city's strict approach to porch piracy.

Anyone who suspects they have been a victim of package theft is encouraged to contact the Mentor Police Department at (440) 255-1234 to file a report.