Thieves Target Holiday Packages

ATLANTA - Neighbors in some Atlanta communities told FOX 5 porch thieves have posed a problem on their streets as the holiday season gets into full swing.

Victims of package thieves showed FOX 5 their home surveillance video from cases Atlanta police are actively investigating.

In the Old Fourth Ward, police said in their report, surveillance shows a thief ripping open packages on a woman's porch, near Randolph Street and North Highland Avenue. The victim told FOX 5 off-camera the thief stole a Christmas present of a blanket from her mother, and broke numerous Christmas ornaments in another package.

In Grant Park, off Hill Street, another video shows two individuals approach a home, and as one snatches a package, both run off. Police said an Amazon package was taken.

"It was pretty brazen. It looks like something they do frequently," the victim said.

Victims in their respective neighborhoods said others on nearby streets have complained of the same problem in the past week.

Businesses in the Grant Park area have volunteered to be delivery pick-up locations for nearby residents.

Intown Healthy Hound accepts packages delivered by UPS.

"They're there when you come to get them. They're not on the porch where they can get into harm's way," a store employee said.

Grant Park Coffeehouse accepts packages 30 pounds and under.

Authorities advise families to practice safe shipping during the holidays, such as requiring a signature on deliveries, asking a neighbor to sign for a package, or have the item delivered to an office.