Newcastle Police arrested a woman Dec. 18 for stealing packages off of a front porch in the 15500 block of Southeast 79th Street.
The department suspects she is associated with other package and mail thefts in the area, Police Chief Melinda Irvine said in a news release.
Police can identify owners of the mail, but not items removed from packages, so residents who had had packages stolen, but have not reported it, should go to www.reporttosheriff.org or call 206-296-3311 to claim property.
Officers encourage residents to keep a close eye on their doorsteps when shipping and/or receiving packages. If possible, ship boxes through an authorized mail service location, and plan to be home when your packages are scheduled for delivery.
Irvine said that video from a camera system, and alert neighbors, helped solve this crime. She asked security camera owners to examine their systems and make sure they are in a position to capture a good photo of a thief and his or her vehicle.
If you see anyone who appears to be unauthorized removing items from a neighbor’s porch, do not hesitate to call 911 with a vehicle description, including the license plate number if possible, and suspect information so officers can investigate.