South Columbia resident seeks public’s help identifying package thief

One resident in a south Columbia neighborhood is asking for your help in finding the man responsible for stealing packages off his doormat.

ABC 17 News spoke with Eric Phelps after he showed us video of a man stealing several packages in broad daylight.

Phelps says it’s pretty unusual for crime to happen in his neighborhood.

ABC 17 News got hold of the video that shows a man driving by Phelps’ home, turning around and making a stop in his driveway. The man eventually walks up to the home, steals the packages without hesitation, gets back in his car and drives off.

“I felt violated and then angry, “Phelps said, “We were getting ready to have a nice family dinner. I was going to cook dinner but my focus immediately went to, looking to see who this is and getting this on Facebook.”

The residents told ABC 17 News they contacted the Columbia Police Department using its online reporting system but have not heard back from anyone.

For anyone that might have information on who the individual is, you can call the Columbia Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 573-875-8477.

For homeowners that are expecting some last minute gifts, to avoid package experts and authorities are advising people to schedule a package delivery, deliver the package to the workplace or require a signature at delivery.

If you have been a victim of a package theft, contacting Police is always a good first step, contacting the delivery company to confirm if the package was delivered, if so, authorities say contacting the company because some give customers a refund or will ship a new item.

As for Phelps and his family, new Amazon packages were sent.

“It’s just stuff, ” Phelps said, “It can be replaced but the whole feeling that somebody had the nerve to drive by our house and whip into the driveway and Christmas shop from our front porch is infuriating.”