Watch Out for Porch Pirates!

Porch Pirates

The holiday season is now upon us, and it's not solely joy and cheer this time of year brings to our doorstep. "Porch Pirates" are also now on the loose, and they're hoping to steal a few of that holiday cheer this Christmas season from your front porch. The term porch pirate refers to people who steal packages from other people's homes. A person who steals newly delivered packages from different people's porches is a Porch Pirate or Package Thieves. They believe that there is a chance that small packages can contain one helpful thing that can be resold, for example, watches or phones. Porch Pirates are much like the pirates of the old days, taking valuable treasure that doesn't belong to them. It is estimated that 36% of Americans have, at least once, had a package stolen from their porch.

Block Her In! She's Stealing

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Porch pirate snatches present in Avon, Indiana.

Posted: December 21, 2021 [source]

Many thieves are committing crimes of opportunity. If they see a bundle sitting on your porch, they may be tempted to try to snatch it. However, if they see that your house is supplied with home security cameras, they may doubtless assume twice about it. 

Also, you can talk with your delivery driver and tell them the best spot to leave your package. Some supply drivers will put packages in locations, not in plain view of the sidewalk or road. It can be an excellent strategy to find a delivery spot that's obscured from view by different objects or landscaping.

Help From a Neighbor

If you aren't going to be at home when a package is delivered, you can ask a trusted neighbor to be on the lookout for your package. Or have the parcel sent to their house if you know they will be home. 

Package Lockbox

If you're hardly around to retrieve your packages, consider signing up for a paid service that will obtain and shield your packages until you'll have the time to pick them up. Major delivery companies like Amazon (Amazon Key or Amazon Lockers), FedEx, and UPS supply locker services; however, they are not available everywhere.

Require a Signature

Make sure to check the box "signature required" when purchasing items online. This is best if someone will be home during the delivery time.  Otherwise, you may want to have it delivered to your work if the package is not too big.

Indiana Porch Pirate Attorney

If the government accuses you of porch piracy, as known as theft, contact an experienced attorney from our office. We know how to defend against porch pirates and how to defend against the allegations.

Contact the  Law Office of Mark Nicholson if you are accused of being a Porch Pirate. 317-667-0718.