'Grinch' Steals Christmas Package From Tulsa Home

A Grinch is stealing packages before they even get under the tree. UPS ships 15 million packages a day, and that number goes up the closer we get to Christmas.

People count on those packages, so imagine how frustrating it would be if someone were stealing them just as soon as they hit the porch.

UPS drivers are trained to keep an eye out for anyone following them on their route. But, it's not possible to catch everyone, as Carol recently learned. She was expecting a package on Tuesday, but when she got home it wasn't there.

"My neighbor knocked on the door and said she'd seen a woman pull up my driveway and pick up a great big package off of my front porch," Carol said.

"This same neighbor had gotten a package that day and had gone out to get her package, and just as she was going out, this woman was coming up her driveway."

That neighbor got out her cell phone and took a picture of the suspect's Chevy Tahoe. Another neighbor, unaware of all this, saw the vehicle outside her home and thought it was odd.

"I sat there and didn't move from the end of the driveway. I was thinking either she'd ask me for directions or was going to leave. She started to move, so I followed her all through the neighborhood," said Shelly Witt, alert neighbor.

Shelly got the tag number and called police, but there wasn't much they could do without a crime. Once Carol's story was posted on the neighborhood association's website, Shelly realized it was the same vehicle and followed her instincts.

UPS and police are investigating, but Carol is still out her package.

"We work doggone hard for our money. We don't go take somebody else's stuff, and it makes me really mad they take my stuff," Carol said.

How can you keep your packages safe? Have them delivered to work, a trusted friend you know is home or sent to a local UPS office and pick it up there.

You can also sign up for UPS's My Choice program that lets you re-route packages, get delivery alerts or select a specific drop off time. some parts of the program are free, some require an annual fee.

If you recognize the vehicle in the picture, call Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.