Package Thiefs
The holiday season is upon us, bringing festive cheer, holiday sales, and, unfortunately, an uptick in package theft. Porch pirates—those who stealthily steal delivered packages from doorsteps—are more active than ever, taking advantage of the surge in online shopping and deliveries.
According to recent statistics, package theft spikes during November and December, with over a third of Americans reporting stolen deliveries at least once in their lifetime. As online shopping continues to grow, so too does the risk of becoming a victim. But there’s good news: with a little preparation, you can safeguard your deliveries and avoid becoming another statistic.
Why Porch Piracy Peaks During the Holidays
The holiday season is a goldmine for thieves. Delivery trucks are bustling with packages containing electronics, clothing, and other high-value items, making porches easy targets. Additionally, many people are out of town visiting family, leaving packages sitting unclaimed for extended periods.
Porch pirates often rely on opportunity. A quick drive through a neighborhood can reveal multiple packages left unattended, offering low-risk, high-reward opportunities for thieves.
How to Protect Your Packages
Fortunately, there are many ways to outsmart porch pirates. Here are some practical tips to keep your deliveries safe:
- Opt for Secure Delivery Options: Many retailers and delivery services offer secure alternatives, such as requiring a signature upon delivery or using lockers at local pick-up points.
- Install a Doorbell Camera: Devices like Ring or Nest not only deter theft but also provide evidence in the unfortunate event of a stolen package.
- Schedule Deliveries: If you know when your package is arriving, plan to be home or arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect it for you.
- Use Smart Package Lockers: Some communities and apartment complexes now offer secure package lockers that require a code to access.
- Track Your Packages: Most shipping companies provide tracking information. Stay updated on delivery times and bring packages inside as soon as possible.
- Request Alternative Delivery Locations: Have packages sent to your workplace, a trusted friend, or a family member who will be available to receive them.
What to Do if Your Package is Stolen
If despite your best efforts, a package goes missing, act quickly:
- Check with Neighbors: Sometimes packages are delivered to the wrong address or picked up by a helpful neighbor.
- Contact the Seller or Delivery Service: Many companies offer replacement policies or refunds for stolen items.
- Report the Theft: File a police report and provide any available footage from security cameras. While recovery is rare, reporting theft helps authorities track trends.
Communities Fighting Back
Neighborhoods nationwide are stepping up to tackle the problem of porch piracy. Community watch groups, neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, and even viral social media campaigns have helped deter thieves. Some people have even resorted to clever “bait packages” to catch criminals in the act.
As we dive deeper into the holiday season, remember that vigilance and preparation are your best defenses against porch pirates. With these precautions in place, you can focus on what truly matters—spreading holiday joy and spending time with loved ones.
