(Courtesy image/SBPD)
Special to the NEWS
During the afternoon hours of April 9, 2025, members of the San Benito Police Department’s [SBPD] Criminal Investigations Division apprehended Jonathan Rangel Meza, a Santa Rosa resident, for two outstanding Class “A” Misdemeanor Mail Theft warrants stemming from an incident where Meza was allegedly seen on surveillance footage taking packages from the front door of multiple homes.
Meza was apprehended at his residence in Santa Rosa, TX where he was located by detectives who discovered the suspect allegedly hiding in the attic of the home. After a brief standoff, detectives were able to safely take him into custody, according to the SBPD.
In a prepared statement, the SBPD thanked the San Benito community and those who provided information regarding the suspect’s identity and whereabouts. Meza is currently being held at the SBPD while awaiting arraignment.
The SBPD began investigating and identified the person of interest shown in surveillance footage allegedly stealing packages delivered to a residence. Earlier this week, the SBPD disseminated a statement reminding the public to remain vigilant and that the use of monitoring equipment greatly increases the possibility of solving crimes.
According to anti-theft experts, individuals expecting at home deliveries should set-up delivery notifications and “embrace the power of technology to stay one step ahead of potential package thieves.”
Most major delivery services offer delivery notification services that keep patrons informed about delivery status, in real time. These alerts allow customers to minimize the time packages spend unattended on porches.
It’s also advised to require a signature upon package delivery. If the delivery is particularly expensive or personally valuable, patrons may especially want to consider requiring a signature. With most USPS, UPS, and FedEx deliveries, customers can opt for protection features similar to this, for a small fee. This additional security measure ensures that packages end up in the right hands, not those of porch pirates.
It’s also suggested that homeowners invest in a secure package delivery lockbox. According to one expert, “Recipients would be smart to try to ensure there’s a secure container or location to store packages until they can be retrieved.” Easily, one of the most effective ways to safeguard deliveries is by utilizing a secure package delivery lockbox, experts added.
Community solidarity is also a powerful deterrent against package theft, experts say. Residents who are not available to receive a delivery, should consider reaching out to neighbors to be on the lookout for deliveries and safeguard packages.
A recent study suggested porch pirates prefer boxes with brand names. Some companies will pack goods in a neutral, plain box if the item is listed as a gift. When possible, request a gift shipping option so packages are less attractive to thieves.
Finally, use the vacation hold feature. If receiving a package via UPS or FedEx, customers can have the carrier hold said packages if purchasers are out of town or unable to be home at the time of delivery. FedEx can hold packages, at no charge, for up to two weeks, while UPS offers one week holding services.