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Kingsport Police Department
Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com |
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NEWS RELEASE | |||
SUBJECT: | Kingsport Police Attempting to Identify “Porch Pirate” Responsible for String of Package Thefts | ||
DATE: | April 28, 2021 | ||
CASE #: | 21-008223 (Skyland Drive)
21-008253 (Thornton Drive) 21-008257 (Chippendale Square) |
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GENERAL NARRATIVE | |||
On April 22, 2021 a white male suspect, traveling in a compact silver 4-door sedan, stole packages from the porches of at least three residences in Kingsport. The reported crimes occurred in the 3700 block of Skyland Drive, nearby in the 3900 block of Thornton Drive, and then all of the way across town in the 100 block of Chippendale Square.
The same individual was recorded by home surveillance cameras committing all three thefts. Photos of this suspect, taken from that footage, have been included in this release. Clips of the actual video have also been made available for viewing on the K.P.D. YouTube channel via the following links: Anyone who recognizes him is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us While this particular type of crime typically increases in frequency during the holiday season, it can happen year around. Those individuals who commit it are commonly referred to as “Porch Pirates.” The best way to prevent it from happening to you is to avoid leaving unattended packages outside of your residence, especially for extended periods of time. Also, consider installing home video surveillance cameras that monitor the drop off location, and prominently display signs announcing their presence as a deterring effect. While cameras are not guaranteed to prevent this crime from happening, they greatly increase the chances of identifying the culprit. If you will not be home at the time your package is scheduled to be delivered, consider having it shipped to a different and more secure location, such as your place of work or the residence of a trusted friend or family member who will be home at the time of delivery. You can also subscribe to text or email alerts to notify you the moment your package is delivered, so that it can be promptly retrieved before it can be stolen. Other options include shopping locally rather than online when possible, having the package held by the delivery service for you to pick up at their distribution center at your convenience, or utilizing other secure delivery services such as Amazon Locker. |
RELEASING OFFICER | ||
Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX) ThomasMPatton |