Suspect faces felony charge for attempted package theft in North Central neighborhood

A 20-year-old man who was caught stealing a package from the front porch of a home in Spokane’s North Central neighborhood said he did it because he was bored, according to police.

Officers responded Friday evening to the home near Adams Street and Indiana Avenue. The victim had gone outside and confronted the suspect, Christopher W. McClave, who was cooperative and stayed in the area, police Cpl. Ron Van Tassel said in a news release.

“McClave stated to officers that he did this because he was bored,” Van Tassel wrote.

McClave was booked into jail at about 7 p.m. and will remain there at least until Monday, when a judge can set his bail or order him released.

In addition to a gross misdemeanor charge of third-degree theft, he faces a felony charge of second-degree burglary because he entered a fenced area to steal the package, police said.

“With Christmas around the corner, we are going to see a lot more thefts in general, specifically package thefts and car prowlings,” Van Tassel wrote.

He recommended locking newly purchased holiday gifts in vehicle trunks, out of view from thieves. People can also have packages held at the post office or shipping facility for self-pickup, or ask a trusted neighbor to look after items while away from home.

“Thieves are going to be out in full force looking for easy pickings, and the best tool to combat this is taking away their options,” Van Tassel wrote.