MILWAUKEE — Porch pirates are a pain year-round, 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 gas and snacks.Faisal Bhimanihas been the longtime owner and is now leasing the two businesses.
For decades, he has helped the community with fundraisers and clothing drives. Now, he is doing it again.
“Use my mailing address and get all your packages mailed to me, then just come here with your ID. If it matches your packages, you can pick them 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 porches for pirates to steal. The address is 1200 E. Howard Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. He is also in conversation with Amazon to get a formal, permanent locker put up outside the BP.
Watch: No more stolen packages: Popular Milwaukee gas station offers safe solution
“So they are going to come out and do the measurements. They’re going to do the survey. Hopefully, they will install one, and it will be a permanent thing so packages can be delivered here,” he said.
That’s one way to keep packages safe. As Micah Ojé from Bay View found out, sometimes the delivery person is the one stealing your package.
“Somebody delivered the package, took photos as evidence of the delivery, and then left with the package itself,” Ojé said.
Micah says we need to use all available methods to prevent this.
“Have someone present to monitor it, whether it’s your cameras or a friend, family member, or hotel front desk.”
Faisal will accept packages through the New Year. He might even continue longer as long as you reach out to him beforehand.
In addition to the package drop-off, Bhimani is running a fundraiser for a St. Francis teacher killed in a car crash and for MADACC.
So if you live in the area, ship your packages to the gas station. If you don’t, ship them to a trusted friend or to your workplace. I always send my packages to TMJ4.
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