An estimated 36% of Americans have, at least once, had a package stolen from outside their residence.
While many assume porch piracy is only associated with the holiday season – when you're more likely to have a multitude of packages delivered to your front door – online shopping and package delivery is a year-round activity. After taking the time to shop, spending money and waiting for the delivery, the last thing you want is for your package to disappear before you ever had a chance to grab it from the porch.
The term porch pirate refers to people who steal packages from other people's homes. Why would anyone do this? Well, there are a number of potential explanations. For one, it's relatively easy. Many of these crimes are just crimes of opportunity, meaning that a person takes advantage of a possibility that is presented to them.
Porch pirates likely hope small packages contain expensive items that can be resold, such as phones, video game systems, sound systems, or computers.
Unfortunately, there was a steep rise in the number of porch pirate incidents in 2020 during the pandemic. This is partially due to the fact that there was a major increase in online shopping as people were avoiding going to public places when possible.
According to American security company ADT, there are a number of options to prevent thieves from getting away with your merchandise.
How to Catch a Package Thief
If you're worried about a stolen package at home, what do you do? Is there any way to catch a package thief?
The best way to deal with package thieves is through preventative and security measures. If a package is stolen from your property, your best bet is to have already installed a video surveillance system so that the suspect can be identified and tracked down.
If someone steals your package, the worst-case scenario is that the valuable items you ordered are gone forever and cannot be replaced or refunded. While many major online retailers have systems in place for dealing with stolen or missing packages, you'll still end up having to spend time dealing with the process and waiting for a replacement or a refund.
There are a lot of different ways you can help reduce your risk of getting a package stolen. Here are some of the most effective methods of foiling porch pirates.
• Get a porch pirate bag
• Pay for a package receiving service
• Require a signature
• Ask that the package be left out of plain view
• Have USPS packages held at your local post office
• Install a home security system
• Use a security camera
• Install motion detector lights
• Get to know the delivery people
• Network with neighbors
• Upgrade your mailbox
• Have your package delivered to your work
• Take advantage of the "ship to store" option
Package theft can be reported to the Senatobia Police Department at 662-562-5642 or Tate County Sheriff’s Office at 662-562-4434.
