KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man is facing multiple charges for the alleged theft of multiple packages from residences since September.
Curtis D. Bennett faces six counts of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson. Each count of Stealing a Postal or Delivery Item is a class E felony, carrying one to four years in prison upon conviction. If convicted, he could face up to 24 years in prison.
According to court records, Kansas City detectives received reports from four different victims stating they had packages stolen from their homes. In total, the six packages were worth more than $1,100. Detectives were able to identify and connect Bennett to each incident through victim surveillance video. Bennett admitted to stealing the packages from the residences.
“We take package theft seriously because we understand our community works hard each day to be able to purchase holiday gifts and everyday necessities for their families,” Prosecutor Johnson said. “We’re committed to holding these repeat offenders accountable, but we need the community’s help to bring these cases to our office.”
With the holiday season underway, Prosecutor Johnson urges residents to take proactive steps to protect their deliveries. Install doorbell cameras and surveillance cameras around your home, which provide critical evidence for investigations.
Retrieve your packages immediately after delivery or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect them if you will not be home. Consider having items delivered to your workplace or request that the post office or delivery service hold packages for pickup if you will be traveling. Requesting a signature requirement for valuable deliveries or using secure package lockers are other ways to ensure packages are protected.
“If you believe your package or mail was stolen, report it immediately to your local law enforcement agency and provide any video or photo evidence,” Prosecutor Johnson said. “It’s crucial to report these crimes. Unless these cases reach our desk, we cannot do our job, prosecute, and protect our community.”
Bennett is being held on a $3,000 cash-only bond.