Package thief hits Newport home; be wary, police urge

Newport Beach police are searching for a man they say stole a package off the porch of a home on Snug Harbor Road.

The holidays are a prime time for thieves to snatch unattended parcels left on doorsteps after deliveries, police said.

On Dec. 2, security camera footage caught the heavy-set Latino man pulling up to the Snug Harbor home around 4:30 p.m., grabbing a small box and loading it into his car. He then drove north toward Clay Street in a red four-door sedan that may have been a Toyota Camry, police said.

Officials said the man was bald or had shaved his head and had a mustache and goatee.

To help prevent thefts of newly delivered gifts, residents should schedule a delivery time, have a trusted neighbor sign for the drop-off, or pick up the item in a store, police said.

Police also advised residents to be careful while holiday shopping. “Always close your windows and lock your car, even if you are only gone for a few minutes,” police said in an statement.

They also suggested hiding any valuables in the trunk and always parking in well-lighted locations.

Police encouraged anyone who sees anything suspicious to call them at (949) 644-3717.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck