Harris County MPs use GPS tracking packets to catch thieves
As the pirate season heats up on the porch before the holidays, Harris County MPs are using a new tool to catch package thieves. It is estimated that around 64% of Americans have had a package stolen in the past 12 months.
HOUSTON – According to a recent survey by Safewise, around 64% of Americans have had a package stolen in the past 12 months.
For the second year now, the deputies of the Harris County Sheriff are trying to stop these thieves with a new tool.
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“This is an excellent way to be proactive,” said HCSO Assistant Investigator Javier Urena. “[We’re] try to go out there and catch them. “
MPs use shipping boxes that look legit and cram them with GPS tracking devices. Urena said they scattered several boxes around Harris County on certain days that could be pursued by thieves. If a veranda pirate takes an HCSO box outside a house, they’ll be tracked down and captured by law enforcement officers waiting nearby.
“You automatically start notifying me [if they’re picked up], ”Said Urena. “If someone touches a package, the alarm goes off. We will start the pursuit. “
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On Thursday, FOX 26 exclusively joined the HCSO proxies when they deployed several counterfeit packages. Urena says they picked an area on Thursday that was recently attacked by porch pirates.
“Unfortunately we weren’t there to stop the theft,” said Urena. “We’re coming back to try and do something about it.”
Doorbell videos of thieves stealing packages from outside of homes are often shared publicly. According to Safewise, the most targeted parcels were sent by Amazon this year.
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No porch pirates were caught Thursday during our report with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. However, MPs say they will continue their prevention efforts over the next few weeks.
“It’s a good eye opener for [porch pirates]”said Urena.” Think twice before you pick up a package because they don’t know if we are around the corner.
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