What can I do to stop porch pirates?

What are porch pirates?

Porch pirates are people who steal packages delivered to homes. As more people shop online and have items shipped to their house, incidents of package theft have increased. Thieves will walk up to a house, grab a package sitting by the front door, and take off before getting caught. This is a frustrating crime that seems to be on the rise in many neighborhoods. Luckily, there are some steps homeowners can take to deter these brazen thieves.

Why has package theft become more common?

There are a few key reasons why package theft has proliferated in recent years:

– Online shopping has become incredibly popular, with most households having items delivered on a regular basis. This provides thieves with an easy opportunity.

– Packages are often left unattended for hours on doorsteps while people are away at work. This gives thieves a large window of time to strike.

– Security camera systems are still not universally adopted. Thieves can often act without being recorded or identified.

– Penalties for package theft have historically been weak. Some states have passed laws recently to make porch piracy a more serious crime.

– It’s an easy crime to commit. Stooping down and grabbing a package takes just seconds and requires little planning or skill.

The unfortunate truth is that the rise of online deliveries, often dispatched to empty homes during the day, has created a tantalizing opportunity for criminals. Porch piracy is unlikely to go away anytime soon given the surging popularity of ecommerce.

Where are porch pirates most common?

Package theft tends to be most prolific in dense suburban neighborhoods. Areas with lots of houses crammed together provide thieves with concentrated opportunities to pilfer deliveries from doorsteps.

Porch piracy hot spots include:

– Urban neighborhoods with row houses or townhomes that have little space separating them.

– Suburban subdivisions with similar style homes clustered together.

– Apartment complexes where many residents have packages delivered to one central location.

– Areas next to major transportation hubs such as highways. This allows thieves to quickly escape after stealing a package.

Generally, areas with lots of deliveries left exposed on doorsteps for long portions of the day tend to be prime targets. Suburban areas often fit this criteria with a proliferation of unattended packages on doorsteps from early morning until evening.

What items are most commonly stolen?

Most porch pirates aren’t interested in targeting specific items. They simply act as “opportunists” looking for any easy-to-steal packages. However, some general observations can be made about the types of deliveries they target:

– Smaller packages that can be easily concealed and carried. Large, bulky items are usually passed over as being difficult to transport and conceal.

– Popular consumer electronics like phones, tablets, and headphones. These smaller items have high black market value.

– Boxes from retailers like Amazon, Target or Walmart. These have widespread appeal and can contain anything from clothing to cosmetics.

– Packages left in plain sight rather than concealed or obscured. A box left prominently on a doorstep is an easy target.

– Packages delivered earlier in the day. These have been sitting around unattended for longer periods of time.

While porch pirates aren’t too selective, the biggest determinant is simply the ease of access and ability to dash away unseen. Oftentimes they act more as “package snatchers” rather than discerning thieves looking for coveted items.

When are most porch thefts committed?

Package theft tends to follow a predictable daily pattern:

– Early morning – Deliveries begin showing up on doorsteps after the first morning routes. Thieves have all day to strike.

– 9am – 5pm – Homeowners are away at work, leaving packages unattended for hours. Prime stealing opportunities.

– Early evening – People return from work to discover missing packages. Most thefts occur earlier in the day.

– Overnight – Some thefts occur under the cover of darkness. Traffic and pedestrian activity goes down.

Weekdays see the most incidents, as deliveries accumulate while people are at the office. Weekends have fewer large gaps of empty houses, making theft more difficult.

The winter holiday season is also a notable peak. Online orders skyrocket, delivering a flurry of packages – and opportunities – right to thieves.

Overall, any weekday during typical working hours provides attractive chances for package theft. This daily window of unattended deliveries is like clockwork for eager thieves.

How can I prevent porch pirates from stealing my packages?

Here are some effective prevention tips and tactics:

Select delivery windows when you’re home

Schedule deliveries for early morning, evenings, or weekends to avoid leaving packages unattended. Being home limits the window of robbery opportunity.

Use package lockers

Lockers allow packages to be securely delivered to remote locations for later pickup. This avoids exposing deliveries on doorsteps.

Install a smart doorbell camera

Cameras capture images of thieves to identify them and deter future crimes. Video evidence also helps police investigations.

Leave delivery instructions

Leave notes asking drivers to conceal packages from street view behind furniture or bushes. Don’t advertise deliveries.

Pick up packages quickly

Don’t leave deliveries sitting for extended periods. Grab them as soon as possible after arrival.

Have packages shipped to work

An office prevents theft and ensures packages are taken inside immediately upon delivery.

Sign up for delivery alerts

Get notified when packages arrive so you can retrieve them sooner rather than later.

Require a signature

Requiring a signature means packages can’t be left unattended. It creates accountability.

Leave delivery instructions

Provide instructions on where packages should be placed that are less visible from the street.

Get a P.O. Box

Routing packages to a post office box prevents pesky thefts from your front porch.

Install exterior lighting

Good lighting deters nighttime theft and helps capture identifiable footage if a camera is present.

What technology solutions help stop package theft?

Leveraging tech devices and services can provide extra security:

Video Doorbell Cameras – Allow remote viewing and record footage of theft events. Creates digital evidence.

Smart Lockers – Provide secure package drop points that require barcode scanning to access contents.

Real-time Tracking – Detailed tracking provides alerts when packages are delivered and taken inside.

Porch Lockboxes – Locked boxes mounted outside hold packages securely until owners retrieve them.

Smart Doorbells – Alert homeowners through their smartphone when packages are delivered or if suspicious activity occurs.

Floodlights – Smart, motion-detecting floodlights installed near doorsteps deter trespassers.

Ship-to-Store – Have packages delivered to a local retail store’s pickup counter rather than your porch.

Security Tags – RFID tags help track stolen packages and can signal owners if packages are moved.

What steps can law enforcement take to catch porch pirates?

Police around the country have options to crack down on package theft:

– Set up sting operations with dummy boxes as bait packages to catch thieves.

– Partner with community groups like homeowners associations to circulate suspect photos.

– Monitor theft hotspots around neighborhoods during peak seasons like holidays.

– Establish online reporting portals so victims can easily submit theft reports.

– Cross reference theft reports between victims to identify potential suspects or patterns.

– Publicize arrests widely to educate the community about penalties.

– Advise residents on deterrence steps they can take and convenient reporting procedures.

– Lobby for stricter laws and penalties surrounding package theft.

– Share tips for submitting helpful claims with delivery companies like Amazon.

– Tap video footage from smart home technology that citizens agree to provide.

– Develop “safe haven” partnerships with local businesses willing to hold packages.

Though not a violent offense, package theft merits law enforcement attention. Stopping these crimes requires community, company, and police collaboration.

What laws punish package thieves with fines or jail time?

Depending on the state, package thieves may face:

– Petty theft – Fines up to $1000 plus jail time up to 1 year.

– Mail theft – Fines up to $250,000 plus jail time up to 5 years (federal charge).

– Burglary – Large fines and multi-year prison terms if trespassing is involved.

– Criminal possession of stolen property – Fines and jail time, escalates if part of larger theft ring.

– Organized retail crime – Felony charges if part of large scale shoplifting operation.

Some states have passed specific laws against package theft with stiff penalties. Texas recently made it a felony with up to 10 years in prison. Oklahoma set the minimum fine at $500 plus community service.

While state laws vary, porch pirates increasingly face legal consequences like fines, probation, and jail time. Law enforcement take such theft seriously, and judges are imposing tougher sentences.

Can delivery companies help prevent package theft?

Yes, carriers like UPS, FedEx and Amazon are taking steps to combat theft including:

– Providing delivery alerts and tracking notices to customers.

– Offering logo-free packaging upon request to conceal contents.

– Expanding alternate delivery options like in-car drop-off and secure lockers.

– Using AI to vary delivery times and routes to foil thieves.

– Requiring signature or ID verification for high-value items.

– Partnering with police to share video footage and catch repeat offenders.

– Testing anti-theft delivery containers that can only be opened by recipients.

– Offering additional theft insurance and package replacement guarantees.

– Instituting more thorough driver screening and compliance monitoring.

– Asking drivers to secure packages out of sight rather than leave exposed.

While deliveries are inherently vulnerable, carriers are deploying more tools to prevent theft and satisfy customers. Their efforts provide another valuable layer of theft prevention when coupled with consumer precautions.

What are tips for submitting helpful theft claims to delivery companies?

Follow these best practices when reporting missing packages:

– Act quickly to provide timely notice about the incident.

– Save all tracking information and shipment details in one place for reference.

– Take photos of the area the package was stolen from, showing context.

– Note any interactions with the driver, delivery confirmation, and package status.

– Request any outdoor security camera footage that may have captured the theft.

– Provide specific descriptions of the package contents and declared value.

– Give clear contact information for follow-ups by customer service.

– Ask about reimbursement, replacement policies, or temporary credits.

– Inquire about additional theft prevention resources the company offers.

– Submit claims through online portals if available – mail forms take longer.

– Follow up if the resolution timeframe seems to lag. Escalate to management if needed.

The more thorough the claim details, evidence, and documentation, the faster companies can investigate, validate, and settle theft cases.

How can I get refunds or replacements for stolen packages?

Recouping lost packages involves:

– Retailers – Contact the seller first. Many will ship replacements at no cost.

– Delivery carrier – File claims to cover costs if retailer response is inadequate.

– Credit card – Request “chargeback” refunds for goods paid but not received.

– Renters insurance – Policies often include coverage for stolen deliveries.

– Homeowners insurance – Similar coverage may exist on home policies.

– Police report – Having an official report can strengthen claims with retailers, carriers, cards, or insurance.

– Delivery enhancement programs – Added coverage and guarantees may provide reimbursement.

– Video evidence – If available, footage or photos can help verify claims.

– Prevention upgrades – Companies may give account credits toward deterrent products like cameras.

With persistence across these avenues, most victims can achieve some form of restitution to offset their stolen packages.

What are tips for safely receiving deliveries when you’re away from home?

To secure deliveries made during absences try:

– Having a trusted neighbor hold packages for you.

– Using smart lockers that provide temporary access codes to delivery drivers.

– Requesting apartment office staff accept packages on your behalf if permitted.

– Choosing in-car delivery so packages are placed safely in your parked vehicle.

– Picking up packages yourself from a staffed shipping office or secured mailroom whenever possible.

– Diverting packages to your workplace address instead of home if your employer allows it.

– Installing smart locks that allow remote, temporary access via codes.

– Using a secure delivery box or pouch mounted outside your door.

– Selecting a pickup point like a pharmacy or store during checkout.

– Holding packages at the carrier facility for pickup later versus home delivery.

The less time a package sits unattended outside, the lower the risk of theft. Evaluate all options to ensure someone secures it.

Conclusion

Porch piracy remains an ongoing nuisance plaguing many neighborhoods. While delivery theft may seem like a small offense, it creates substantial hassles for victims who lose time, money, and peace of mind.

Fortunately, thieves can be deterred through vigilance, technology, community coordination, law enforcement, and sensible delivery practices. Securing packages is a shared responsibility between residents, carriers, and authorities that requires some collective effort.

Bolstering prevention and continuing to enact more serious legal punishments provides hope. With enough deterrence steps, doorway deliveries can become less tantalizing and risky for potential thieves.

Stealing a package is a crime of opportunity. Don’t provide the opportunity, and your deliveries will almost certainly arrive safely.