The Midland Police Department (MPD) held a press conference on Nov. 26 to discuss its Holiday 2024 Safety Plan to ensure the safety of residents during the holiday season.
Officer Chane Blandford, currently assigned to the MPD Crime Prevention Unit, provided tips to help prevent common crimes like porch piracy and motor vehicle burglaries.
“One of our biggest concerns is porch piracy,” Blandford said. “When that comes into play, because we have a lot of online shopping, we’re going to have a lot of packages being delivered to houses.” To prevent package theft he advised residents to ask neighbors to bring their packages inside if they are not home, and recommended using mail facility holds or requesting signatures upon delivery.
Blandford said while security cameras can be helpful, criminals continue to target deliveries despite camera security measures.“Cameras are a great tool, but it’s a great tool after your packages have already been stolen,” he said.
To prevent motor vehicle burglaries, Blandford advised shoppers to conceal purchases by covering them with a blanket, as well as making sure vehicles are locked. “If every person in Midland would lock their vehicles, the vehicle burglary rates would drop by 90%,” he said.
In response to the holiday season, MPD has increased patrols across the city. Unmarked units are also patrolling neighborhoods.
Blandford warned of the penalties for vehicle burglary. “If you just pull on a door handle, but you didn’t get inside the car, you can go to jail for that,” he said. He said penalties range from a Class A misdemeanor for vehicle burglary to a Class B misdemeanor for attempted burglary.
To close the meeting, Blanford said, “On behalf of the Midland Police Department, we want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a joyful season full of cheer.”