Caught on Camera: Porch Pirate Targets Indio Neighborhoods

Nearly one in ten Americans makes an online purchase every day, but that convenience sometimes comes with risk. In Indio, a suspected porch pirate has been caught on camera, and police say these kinds of thefts tend to rise as the holiday season nears. Videos posted on social media show a man in a yellow jersey stealing packages from doorsteps in multiple Indio neighborhoods. The Indio Police Department says the same individual may be connected to more than one incident, and investigators are working to identify him. According to Officer Brandon Haworth with the Indio Police Department, under California Penal Code 484, stealing items valued under $950 is a misdemeanor, while anything over that amount is considered a felony. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, police suggest residents watch for suspicious activity—such as vehicles following delivery trucks—and report what they see. Even a photo or license plate number can help investigators. Officers also recommend concealing deliveries with porch décor like planters or statues, or using a secured lockbox. While video doorbells provide valuable evidence, authorities stress that prevention and vigilance are just as important. Indio PD’s reminder to the community is simple: see something, say something.