Note to would-be thieves: Pretty much everyone has at least one camera aimed at the entry points for their home nowadays. They’re not that expensive, and are easy to install. Armed with that knowledge, maybe try a new line of work?
That being said, the alleged porch parcel thieves that were targeting holiday packages left by delivery trucks have been caught. At least, one set of them, any way. Meet Priscilla Castaneda and Jessie Dominguez. According to Dallas police, several people called in to say they recognized Castaneda from the videos plastered all over social media, local news stations and the newspaper. From there, police were able to find a pawn shop she had done business with, who in turn reportedly told police that she had been in that day trying to pawn the very smoker (still in the box) that she was allegedly seen carrying off in one video. She was even reportedly wearing the same outfit (btw, Roger Staubach probably doesn’t approve, lady). Today she got a rather unwanted birthday present – her arrest.
Dominguez was caught today as well, allegedly smoking a joint in plain sight, and with a whole lot of property for the police to catalog sitting in the back of the Ford Explorer that also starred in the videos, police said. Dominguez also reportedly confessed to some thefts in Highland Park, as well.
Both suspects are now at Lew Sterrett.
However, they are not the only Christmas grinches out there. The same homeowner who took the video of Castaneda, Missy Clinchy, also found that another theft occurred earlier this month, by a different individual – this time the perp is a bald man driving a light colored sedan.
Dallas police offer the following tips for avoiding the theft of your packages:
- Request from the seller or shipper that a signature is required for delivery so that your package is not left at your front door unattended.
- Request that the seller or shipper ship your package to an alternate address such as your office.
- Request that the shipper hold your package at their distribution center for your pick-up.
Amazon now offers Amazon Locker, which allows you to ship to a specific, secure site for pick up, and it looks like there are plenty throughout the city. Many major retailers also offer ship to store, which allows you to pick up at the customer service counter of the store, as well.
