Neighbor Notices Female Stealing Package
A watchful Spokane Valley neighbor reported seeing 32-year-old Hillary J. Porter steal a package from his neighbor’s porch. Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Hert responded and arrested Porter charging her with Theft 3rd Degree.
On November 15, 2016 just prior to noon, a citizen reported he was following a female, later identified as Porter, who stole a package from his neighbor’s porch in the 11700 block of East Mission in Spokane Valley.
Deputy Hert responded to the area of Mission and Pines where he observed Porter getting into a vehicle that had just arrived. Deputy Hert contacted Porter who denied any theft.
Deputy Hert contacted the witness who explained he observed Porter taking items out of a cardboard box and putting them in her purse. He went outside and inspected the box. He noticed it was addressed to one of his neighbors a few houses away and confronted Porter, who had walked into a backyard. Porter told him she was trying to find a friend. The witness followed Porter and provided updated information to responding deputies.
During the investigation, Deputy Hert located the stolen items in Porter’s purse prior to arresting her. It was determined the driver of the vehicle Porter was leaving in did not have knowledge of Porter’s criminal activities and was not charged. The stolen items were later returned to the victim.
Porter was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Theft 3rd Degree.
The Spokane Valley Police Department and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to take precautions as the Holiday Season rapidly approaches.
Criminals will be out trying to exploit the holidays and victimize our community when they find an opportunity.
If you are expecting packages and won’t be home when they’re delivered:
1) Consider having them delivered to a neighbor you trust or a family member who will be home.
2) Insure packages to help protect your purchases.
3) Require a signature for delivery.
4) Utilize in-store pickup if available.
5) Don’t leave items in your vehicle unattended and if you must, secure them in your trunk or at least keep them out of sight.
Don’t provide a criminal who is looking for an easy opportunity to victimize you.