The Benton County Sheriff’s Office announced this week the results of a joint operation with the U.S. Postal Service that targeted “porch pirates” — individuals involved in the theft of packages from residences. The campaign was conducted from Nov. 27 to Dec. 23.
Over the four weeks, 24 decoy packages equipped with GPS tracking devices were placed on doorsteps in neighborhoods and businesses identified as hotspots for recent package thefts.
The technology, coupled with surveillance and community collaboration, led to the arrest of three individuals — Jerry Michael Wells, 34, of Corvallis; Roxanne Martinez, 64, of Albany; and Kayla Marie Kidd, 30, of Keizer. All three face second-degree criminal trespass, second-degree theft and mail theft charges. In addition, Kidd was charged with attempting to elude, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and reckless driving.
BCSO pointed to available technology, the partnership with the Postal Service and residents as key contributors to the successful operation.