Don't let mail thieves do their holiday shopping from your porch

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man is suspected in a number of package thefts in the Montrose area. The latest theft was caught on camera and reveals the face of the man neighbors say has become a pest.

The video, captured days ago, shows a man smoking a cigarette, walking up to a front porch of a home. He is seen picking up a package before walking away. The homeowner said the package contained a $14 kitty litter dome. He said he posted the video on his Facebook page with hopes the thief would be recognized and caught.

"There are people watching people's house during this time of year," said Houston Police officer Barry Curtis.

Houston police is now sending a pre-holiday shipping warning. The package theft happen all year round. Eyewitness news reported on a woman in 2013 was seen on surveillance video in Kingwood ripping open a box and trying on a pair of shoes inside.

"They are just not willing to go out and make an honest living like you and I," said Officer Curtis.

Another woman was caught on surveillance video pestering a pastor and neighbors in Baytown. She was seen taking dozens of packages from porches over and over again until the pastor had enough. He was seen holding her at gunpoint in his front yard until police showed up.

"They pray upon watching that deliver person. All they have to do is see that truck pull up and they know there's going to be a package somewhere," said Curtis.

Houston police suggest everyone take the following steps to protect their package deliveries:

1. Make sure you get a tracking number for your package

2. Make an effort to pick up your package at the carrier's distribution center.

3. If you do have your package delivered to your home, ask your neighbor to pick it up from your porch after it's delivered.

4. If possible, have the package sent to your work.

5. Install a surveillance camera system

The homeowner in the latest theft did not want to give an on camera interview. He said the thief was seen getting into a dark colored truck. If you recognize the man in the video contact Houston police.