NBC4’s Consumer Reporter Randy Mac has what you need to know on how to protect yourself against a rising trend where thieves steal postal packages from doorsteps after they are delivered at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014.
A day before her birthday, Toni Thomas received a special delivery on her front lawn.
It was courtesy of a neighbor, recorded on Thomas' surveillance system, returning the empty box that was discarded in his yard.
What had been inside?
It was a Michael Kors handbag, a gift from Thomas' family.
A review of more surveillance video shows what happened.
"I knew what time the postman came, so we watched it being delivered," Thomas said. "About an hour and a half later we saw someone come up to the door.
"I see her shadow, but I'm just like, 'Oh, my God! Oh, my God.' I just wanted to know who is this person?"
The unidentified woman is a thief, the person who steals Thomas' new handbag -- ignoring security signs and the camera, which is visible.
Renee Focht, a postal inspector, said that if it's a package, they're looking for merchandise. If they're stealing a letter, they could be looking for information.
Focht said parcel deliveries have increased with the popularity of online shopping. Despite the theft being a federal offense, there's no shortage of people willing to risk a five-year prison term, she said.
Package thieves have even followed the trucks, Focht said.
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Thomas has turned over the surveillance video and the possible getaway car to postal inspectors, who've offered some advice -- protect your mail just like you lock your front door.
Thomas' gift was a surprise delivery.
She never had an opportunity to protect the package, a violation that's left her feeling as empty as the box.
"It's all I can think about ... How do we catch this person?"
