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Lawrence police nab suspected package thief

LAWRENCE, Ind. (WISH) – Lawrence police are crediting observant homeowners with helping them arrest a man suspected of stealing packages from front doorsteps.

Police arrested Michael Allison on Friday after neighbors reported a strange car in their neighborhood.

“We encourage people to follow their instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, seem right, there’s a reason for that. You’re feeling that for a reason,” said Gary Woodruff, the deputy chief for the Lawrence Police Department.

Some 23 million Americans have reported having packages stolen from their porches.

Police categorize this as a crime of opportunity.

“There are some folks out there that are literally preying on those who are ordering packages,” said Woodruff.

Police say Allison’s black sedan with tape over the taillights was spotted outside his house. After obtaining a warrant they found many of the items that were reported stolen.

“Sometimes people think I had my package stolen from my front porch, probably not a lot can be done with that. Well, you never know,” said Woodruff.

Instead of having packages sitting on your doorstep FedEx suggests: sending it to a friend, family member, neighbor, or even to your workplace. Request a signature. Ask the driver to ring the doorbell. Schedule your delivery

“If there are some lessons to be learned, it’s a good opportunity to learn them,” said Woodruff.

If those options aren’t available, ask your delivery service to put the packages at a side or back door.

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