Man dressed as Amazon delivery driver uses new tactic to steal package off porch
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - A recent package theft in a Kansas neighborhood has left residents on the lookout for a porch pirate.
It’s not just the stolen package that has the community talking, however; it’s also the thief’s new tactic.
Surveillance video from the incident shows a man wearing an Amazon vest approaching the front door as though he is delivering a package. He then switches out the package on the porch with what turned out to be an empty box, leaving the unused packaging behind before casually walking away and driving off in his car.
The theft took place on the doorstep of Frank Kolodzieh’s home.
“When I went to retrieve the package, it felt oddly light. When I looked inside, I saw that it was actually opened and empty, there was just a piece of packing paper in there,” Kolodziej said.
Residents in the area said they are not surprised by incidents of theft like this anymore.
“That is the reality we live in. Just as law enforcement adapts, the people committing these crimes will adapt too. They’re not going to just give up, unfortunately,” resident Soren Fowler said.
Amazon issued a statement in response to this recent theft.
“While the vast majority of deliveries reach customers without issue, we recognize that there are bad actors who wear look-alike apparel to steal packages from customers’ homes,” the statement said. “We encourage anyone who has been a victim of theft to report the crime to the police, and we will work with law enforcement to assist as much as possible. Amazon’s customer service is also available 24/7 for any matters related to deliveries.”
Neighbors are hoping that this recent incident raises awareness.
“It’s exhausting, but that is life. We have to stay vigilant,” Fowler said.
Kolodziej expressed his disappointment about the situation, however.
“It’s kind of a shame that we’re at a point where we can’t trust people dressed in uniform to be who they appear to be,” he said.
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