Close your eyes and imagine someone stealing packages off of Stapleton porches during the holiday season. Now brace yourself for the reality that this Grinch is a white chick. According to a recent 9 News story, an unidentified (as of this story) lady was captured stealing a package off of a Stapleton porch by a surveillance camera. “It is really quite disturbing,” says resident Kathy Sifers. “Pretty gutsy walking right up onto someone’s porch during the day and just taking something of their porch. Ridiculous.”
Local Denver Police Officer Matt Vardaman says that residents should take precautions. “Look out for your neighbors,” says Vardaman. “If you are home, and you see a package on their front porch, if you feel comfortable enough, put it in your house and send them a message or leave them a note.” Vardaman says that just because someone looks like they belong, it isn’t always the case. “If you don’t recognize someone, and they are running around on your neighbors porch, ask them a quick question. Sometimes that is enough to scare them off.”
Aside from the obvious problem that this is theft, there are other questions concerning this situation. Does the thief plan to open the package, then determine whether they will keep it or gift it to someone else? Will it immediately be sold at a pawn shop, regardless of the item? I mean, nothing says Christmas like, “here you go. I stole this off of someone’s porch and thought you might like it.” I understand life can be rough, and not everyone has had the same opportunities, however, potentially stealing holiday presents from kids is out of bounds. There is at least one positive aspect to this story, however. There is a chance that other budding crooks and thieves will see this story and fear that all Stapleton homes are under video surveillance, and therefore, choose to stop stealing from us. We can hope, right?
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