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Wichita police urge residents to schedule deliveries, use cameras to deter porch thefts
Summary
Officer Chris Goupigon of the Wichita Police Department urged residents ahead of the holidays to schedule deliveries, enable carrier notifications, request signature confirmation or use secure pickup locations, and consider neighbors, lights or cameras to reduce porch theft opportunities.
Officer Chris Goupigon, public information officer for the Wichita Police Department, urged Wichita residents this week to take simple steps to protect holiday deliveries as package traffic peaks.
"Scheduling deliveries for times when someone will be home, turning on delivery notifications through retailers or even carriers, or requesting signature confirmation or using secure pickup locations," Goupigon said, listing options residents can use. He added that asking a trusted neighbor to collect packages or using motion lights or doorbell cameras can also deter thieves. "Porch thieves often rely on opportunity, so don't give criminals or grinches the same chance of the season," he said.
The tips were offered as part of the city’s regular briefing and paired with a recognition of the Wichita Police and Fire Foundation, which Goupigon credited with supporting first responders through programs such as an annual "Christmas Shop with a Cop," equipment donations including e-bikes, and other community supports. The foundation’s executive director, Amy Lumrey, was named by Goupigon for the group's leadership and partnership with the city.
The advice is framed as preventive: the department encouraged residents to favor options that reduce unattended deliveries rather than rely solely on recovery after thefts occur. No new ordinances or enforcement changes were announced.
