SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S OCTOBER 2024 SAFETY & SECURITY TIP: PREVENTING PORCH PIRACY

As difficult as it is to believe, holiday season is quickly approaching. Eager and enthusiastic holiday shoppers will begin their online searches for gifts and delivery services will be flooding porches and doorways with boxes and bags.

With this surge of deliveries comes a rise in package thefts.

The following are ideas and thoughts that may prevent such thefts:

A visible security camera and/or video doorbell often deters porch pirates. Additionally, video captured on these surveillance devices aid in the apprehension and prosecution of these criminals.

While a bit tedious and inconvenient, requiring a signature eliminates the possibility of theft.

Somewhat cumbersome/unwieldy, lockboxes and package lockers placed on porches will make the theft of your packages extremely difficult and unlikely. Amazon offers “Hub Lockers” that allow recipients to pick up their deliveries from a secure, usually convenient location. Additionally, “ship to store” options ensure receipt of your orders.

Leaving packages unattended for long periods of time increases the possibility of theft. If boxes must be left unattended, consider asking neighbors and/or friends to retrieve them. Consider allowing notifications of delivery so that you are aware of the arrival of your packages.

If the retailer permits scheduled deliveries, consider taking advantage of that service.

Porch piracy brings a sorrowful and somber component to the holiday season, however, a bit of effort, on our part, can prevent/reduce victimization.