As shoppers wait for holiday packages to arrive on their doorstep, so are thieves. Police say one local man stole online orders from the front steps of a Glastonbury home, was caught, then did it again a few days later in East Hampton.
David Giuffrida is the Glastonbury homeowner whose packages ended up in the hands of Portland resident Jason Carrier.
“One of the town workers was driving by my house and happened to see someone get out of their car,” said Giuffrida. “(He) ran to the front porch and (took) the packages off the front porch.”
According to the Glastonbury Police Department, Carrier confessed he stole two boxes on December first. Officials arrested him, but later let him go with the promise to appear in court for larceny charges.
Then, on Dec. 6, Carrier did it again in East Hampton, police told NBC Connecticut.
A home surveillance video shows him driving off in his Subaru Impreza with a few early holiday presents riding shotgun.
“We still have one item we’re trying to relocate with its original owner,” said East Hampton Police Chief Sean Cox.
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Captain Cox told NBC Connecticut his department has received an increased number or package theft complaints in the past few months, so he has some advice.
“Make arrangements with someone who is going to be home during the time of the delivery,” said Captain Cox. “Maybe a relative or a neighbor who you’re close with.”
Shoppers might also want to consider having packages sent to a UPS or a FedEx pickup location. For Amazon orders, items can be shipped to one of the three Amazon lockers state-wide. The company offers that for free at checkout.
Back in Glastonbury, Giuffrida contacted the retailer, who resent his order at no additional charge.
As for the future, he says, it will take more than the seasonal Grinch to change how he shops.
“The whole thing about online ordering today is you do it because you want to save time,” said Giuffrida. “It’s easy, it’s convenient. I want things left on my front porch. I want it delivered home.”
