12/13/19 — The rise of online shopping and the proliferation of USPS, FedEx and UPS trucks on our streets have made Christmas shopping much easier, but it’s also led to the rise of the so-called “porch pirate,” people who swipe your packages off your porch.
There have been several prominent incidents of such petty but annoying theft in the past several years, and local law enforcement departments have set up some stings around the county to catch people engaged in some parcel piracy.
Just such a sting netted the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office two alleged petty thieves last week in Redwood Valley. The packages were less than $950 in value, resulting in the charges of conspiracy to defraud, mail theft, and a violation of probation.
Here is the press release from the MCSO:
DATE: “December 13, 2019”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Incident Number:
2019-36265
Crime/Incident:
182(a) (4) PC (Conspiracy to Defraud Person)
530.5(E) PC (Mail Theft)
1203.2 PC (Violation of Probation)
Location:
200 block of East School Way in Redwood Valley, CA
Date of Incident:
12-09-2019
Time:
5:44 PM
Victim(s):
N/A
Suspect(s):
Julia Hutchins (51 year-old female from Redwood Valley, CA)
Leslie Mishou (50 year-old female from Ukiah, CA)
Written By:
Sergeant Robert Moore #2405Synopsis:
On 12-09-2019 at approximately 5:44 PM., Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputies were conducting a surveillance operation in the 200 block of East School Way in Redwood Valley.During that time, Deputies observed Julia Hutchins and Leslie Mishou committing theft of property from a roadside mailbox. The property was less than $950.00 in value.
Deputies contacted/arrested Hutchins and Mishou for Conspiracy [182(a)(4) PC] and Mail Theft [530.5(e) PC].
Both Hutchins and Mishou were determined to be in violation of their active summary probation terms and were additionally charged with violation of probation [1203.2 PC].
Hutchins and Mishou were transported to the Mendocino County Jail where both were booked to be held in lieu of $10,000.00 bail.
Approved by:
MCSO
Captain Gregory L. Van Patten #1184
So sad to hear about mail theft this time of year. Whether they are hoping for cash or taking packages is heartbreaking. Hard working people sending something to loved ones is what the season is about… not many in this area are rich or famous; but hard working at one or more jobs. Some thefts may occur by those that have nothing, but more often I think they are addicted to something or to confused to offer to work for food. Either way they are breaking the law and hurting the recipients of receiving a gift from loved ones. I hope that they learn their lesson and I pray that they find a way to solve their problem without hurting others.
cjs