MILWAUKEE — Porch pirates are a pain all year around but especially during the holiday season. You may have had your packages stolen. I've definitely had mine taken. Well, there is a bit of hope. One well-known business owner and community leader is doing what he can so his neighbors don't have any packages stolen.
The BP and Citgo gas stations on Howard Avenue in Milwaukee are probably more well known for who works there than for getting gas and snacks. Faisal Bhimani had been the longtime owner and is now leasing those two businesses.
For decades he has helped the community with fundraisers and clothing drives. Now, he is doing it again.
He’s helped out the community with countless fundraisers and clothing drives. Now, he is doing it again.
“Use my mailing address and get all their packages mailed to me, and just come here with their ID. If it matches with their packages, they can come pick it up for no extra charge," he said.
He wants people to send their packages to the BP gas station, so they aren't sitting on your porch for pirates to steal. The address is 1200 Howard Ave., Milwaukee, WI, 53207. He also in conversation with Amazon to get a formal and more permanent locker put up outside the BP too.
Watch: Popular Milwaukee gas station offers safe solution to stolen packages
"So they are going to come out and do the measurements. They are going to come out and do the little survey. And hopefully, they will be able to install one, so that will be a permanent thing, so they can just get it delivered here," he said.
That's one way to keep packagfes safe. As Micah Ojé from Bay View found out, sometimes it can be the delivery person who is the one stealing your package.
“Somebody delivering the package, taking the photos that were evidence of the delivery, and then leaving with the package itself,” Ojé said.
Micah says we have to use all the ways available to us to prevent this from happening.
"Have someone present to be able to monitor it whether it's your cameras or a friend, family member, hotel front desk."
Faisal will accept packages through the New Year. He might even do it a little longer just as long as you reach out to him before doing it.
Along with the package drop off, Bhimani is doing a fundraiser forSt. Francis teacher killed in a car crash and MADACC.
So if you live in the area, ship your packages to the gas station. Or if you don’t, ship them to a trusted friend or where you work. I always send my packages to TMJ4.
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