COLUMBUS, OH (WOWO) A Columbus homeowner is warning neighbors after a Christmas package was stolen from his Merion Village porch by someone posing as a delivery driver.

Jason Kuhn said the handmade wooden watch holder, a holiday gift for his spouse, was taken while the couple slept according to WBNS. Ring doorbell footage shows the suspect wearing Amazon-like apparel, placing an empty box on the porch, pretending to scan it, then walking away with the real package. The thief kept their face covered and avoided the camera.

Amazon stated it was not responsible for the delivery but cautioned that “bad actors wear look-alike apparel to steal packages” and encouraged reporting thefts to police. The company said it monitors for unauthorized Amazon uniforms online and works with law enforcement when possible.

Holiday package theft has become a significant problem nationwide. The U.S. Postal Service reports at least 58 million packages stolen last year, not including thefts by private carriers. Columbus police say package theft spikes roughly 700 percent during the holiday season.

Community Liaison Officer Duane Hicks said thieves often strike multiple houses in minutes, and unreported thefts increase repeat crimes. Officer Joel Huffman recommended residents reduce risk by using signature-required deliveries, secure pickup locations, or trusted neighbors.

Kuhn said he plans to report the theft to Etsy and the Columbus Police Department, emphasizing that “every little bit helps” in preventing repeat crimes.

Tips from Police to Avoid Package Theft:

• Check security cameras or doorbell footage for suspect identification.

• Report thefts to the delivery company or retailer.

• File a police report to help track criminal patterns.

• Use secure delivery options such as signature-required services or alternate pickup locations.