The box was on the snow in the street at the corner of Foster and Cottage streets. It looks like the box is addressed to Danieli Evans at 42 Foster Street, No. 2.

Same issue on the 800 block of Elm St. I've had to file several complaints. Sometimes the post man or ups/fed ex just toss the packages on steps pr front porch in plain view. My landlord has since installed security cameras through out the entire property.

76 through 98 Mansfield Street also experience a lot of front-porch theft.

Try an ounce of prevention... You live in New Haven now--don't get packages sent to your house. They will likely be stolen from your porch.

This isn't some new sh!t, it's been like this for years.

And it's not unique to New Haven or East Rock. Articles in the WSJ and NYT talk about how this is a problem nationwide. To the point where Amazon now has pick-up options available for those who don't want their packages ripped off. *sigh*

My neighbor on Foster Street just told me of missing packages as well. I suggest requiring signatures on packages, and asking people to send packages to be held for pickup.

Hi, Grampa13. That is a pretty snarky comment in response to someone trying to alert neighbors to the problem. Not everyone is aware of this issue, and we do not always have control over how the packages are delivered or where they are left. In my case, a family member sent something by USPS, which seems less secure than UPS. UPS is pretty good about hiding packages, but the USPS seems to drop and run. FedEx will not leave a high value item without a signature. The problem is actually the thief, not the neighbors trying to help each other.

USPS, FedEx and UPS all offer delivery services that require a signature. Within each organization, you need to choose one of the many different methods of delivery which require one. You can even choose to have your package signed for by a neighbor if you are not at home.

It is a shame we have to take these precautions to avoid being victims of theft. Preferably, it would be better to stop the thieves and it can be done. The cameras help to serve as a deterrent, but many criminals pull hoods over their heads and faces while searching neighborhoods and the NHPD isn't going to go on a manhunt because of video footage that doesn't clearly identify the culprits.

Tell all of your neighbors what has been happening and promise to keep an eye out for each other. Or, if you wanted to be extreme, you might choose to leave a bait package with a GPS tracking device inside. It's not that hard and you wouldn't be putting yourself in any danger. Reliable tracking devices can be purchased for less than $25. Don't tape the device to the inside of a box. The box will most likely be discarded almost immediately after the crime. Place the device inside a cheap piece of merchandise like a cheap purse or something of the sort. Put the merchandise inside an Amazon box and leave it on your porch. After the box has been pirated, you can track where it is using your smart phone or computer. If you try this, DO NOT go to the thief yourself. Call the police and explain your operation and then let the cops do their thing.

Another alternative to stop the porch pirates would be to contact the NHPD and request them to conduct the operation for you. There are some police departments in the U.S. that have already done this.

I hope this information helps.

I want to close this issue, not that it is actually resolved.

Thanks for fixing this request!

Thanks Roger. If you would ever like help resolving the issue of porch pirates in your neighborhood, please let me know. I'm always available to help.

I think it's time for the residents to stop accepting crime in their neighborhoods and do something about it. Stop being the mice. Stand up and fight back.