2 charged in West Des Moines porch package thefts

WEBVTT they've nabbed two so- called "porch pirates." Covering Dallas County tonight - KCCI's Chris Gothner tells us why police say doorbell technology isn't the key to preventing these crimes. <WDM POLICE SAY THE ACCUSED PORCH PIRATES SCOURED THROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD S LIKE THIS ONE...LOOKING FOR EASY FINDS.> Police arrested 30-year-old Ryan Bissett and 33- year-old Rebecca Sue Huss on theft and drug charges Wednesday. It all came after officers got two reports of people stealing packages off porches in neighborhoods west of Jordan Creek...once on Monday, then again on Wednesday. But unlike many similar cases nationwide -- where accused front door freebooters were caught via fancy doorbell cameras -- police Sgt. Dan Wade credits good old fashioned observant neighbors. <28;28 SOME RESIDENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WERE ABLE TO GIVE US A VEHICLE DESCRIPTION AND A LICENSE PLATE ON THE SUSP VEHICLE. OUR DETS AND OFCS FOLLOWED UP W THAT INFORMATION, LOCATED THE SUSPECTS, ULTIMATELY DID A SEARCH WARRANT AND THAT LED TO A COUPLE OF ARRESTS.> Wade says while watchful cameras and watchful neighbors aren't a bad thing any time of the year -- it may not stop people from walking around, pilfering your precious packages. Christmas bliss can be preserved -- with an ounce of prevention. <29;40 I KNOW OF ONE ONLINE RETAILER THAT WILL ACCOMMODATE REQS FOR DELIVERY TO DROPSITES WHICH ARE MORE SECURE THAN AN OPEN- AIR DELIVERY 29;48> <29;53 THE OTHER THING I REALLY ENCOURAGE PPL TO CONSIDER IS WHATEVER FLEXIBILITY YOU HAVE WITH THE DELIVERY TIME OR THE DELIVERY LOCATION -- THAT WAY YOU CAN MAKE SURE SOMEBODY'S THERE TO ACTUALLY RECEIVE THE PKG. 30;06> Covering Dallas County, in West Des Moines, Chris Gothner, KCCI 8 News Iowa's News Leader. Police say they found multiple stolen items -- so they are encouraging residents to report any missing packages so they can be returned. Bissett remains in the Dallas County Jail tonight, while Huss isn't listed as an inmate

West Des Moines police say two people they arrested Wednesday are responsible for stealing packages delivered to two homes in the community. Ryan Timothy Bissett, 30, and Rebecca Sue Huss, 33, were charged in the case. Police said Bissett is charged with fourth-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance. Huss is charged with fourth-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.“Information from residents near the site of the thefts was instrumental in police identifying these suspects,” says West Des Moines police Sgt. Dan Wade. “Our detectives and patrol officers used this information to locate Bissett and Huss.” Police say they recovered stolen property from two known victims while serving a search warrant. “Right now, we believe their activity was isolated to the west side of the metro. Detectives are sorting through items they recovered yesterday so if you have been the victim of this type of theft, please report it to your law enforcement agency.”In November and December 2017, West Des Moines police received 11 reports of package thefts, while three have been received during the same time frame this year. Authorities encourage buyers to select a delivery time or location that will allow for someone to receive packages when they arrive. Some online retailers also allow for delivery to drop sites which are more secure than an open-air delivery. Customers can then collect their items when it is convenient.

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa —

West Des Moines police say two people they arrested Wednesday are responsible for stealing packages delivered to two homes in the community.

Ryan Timothy Bissett, 30, and Rebecca Sue Huss, 33, were charged in the case.

Police said Bissett is charged with fourth-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance. Huss is charged with fourth-degree theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

“Information from residents near the site of the thefts was instrumental in police identifying these suspects,” says West Des Moines police Sgt. Dan Wade. “Our detectives and patrol officers used this information to locate Bissett and Huss.”

Police say they recovered stolen property from two known victims while serving a search warrant.

“Right now, we believe their activity was isolated to the west side of the metro. Detectives are sorting through items they recovered yesterday so if you have been the victim of this type of theft, please report it to your law enforcement agency.”

In November and December 2017, West Des Moines police received 11 reports of package thefts, while three have been received during the same time frame this year.

Authorities encourage buyers to select a delivery time or location that will allow for someone to receive packages when they arrive. Some online retailers also allow for delivery to drop sites which are more secure than an open-air delivery. Customers can then collect their items when it is convenient.

2 charged in West Des Moines porch package thefts

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