> At a Glance
> – Gloucester Township police planted decoy parcels with GPS trackers
> – Brian Pope, 59, allegedly stole one on Jan. 31 at 2:20 p.m.
> – He was charged with theft and released on a summons
> – Why it matters: Police warn more bait boxes are hidden town-wide to deter holiday package theft
Gloucester Township police turned the tables on so-called porch pirates by slipping GPS devices inside ordinary-looking delivery boxes and leaving them on doorsteps throughout the community.
How the Sting Worked
Officers filled the decoys with real seasonal goods, ensuring they blended in with legitimate deliveries.
> Lt. Paul Fisher explained:
> > “It will look like any other package that’s delivered. As soon as it moves, we can start tracking.”
When motion sensors indicated the Erial-section parcel had been snatched, detectives followed the live location data and arrested Brian Pope within hours.
Residents React
Neighbors welcomed the proactive tactic.
Elizabeth Bullock, who lives nearby, said she races to retrieve her purchases the moment they arrive after her niece’s December 16 shipment never showed up.
> “You spent your money to buy something. You don’t want someone else to come get it.”
Police Advice
Authorities urge residents to:
- Bring packages inside immediately
- Install visible surveillance cameras
- Request delivery alerts so items aren’t left unattended
Lt. Fisher warned would-be thieves:
> “Don’t do it in our town, don’t do it at all. We are going to catch you. We are going to prosecute you.”
Key Takeaways
- Gloucester Township’s bait-box program netted its first arrest on January 31
- More GPS-equipped parcels are hidden across different neighborhoods
- Brian Pope faces a theft charge and awaits court proceedings
- Anyone with tips can contact police at 856-228-4500 or anonymously at 856-842-5560
