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PORCH PIRATES

 

 

​ Many porch pirates are small-time thieves who happen to notice an unattended package as they walk by.

But some individuals have begun to specialize in this type of crime. And they’ve learned more sophisticated methods for stealing delivered goods.

Some thieves follow delivery trucks and mail carriers around neighborhoods, watching for packages to be dropped off. If they work in teams of two, one person can grab items from the porches while the other circles the block, making for a quick getaway. Some porch piracy specialists even wear delivery service-style uniforms, so they look less suspicious to neighbors. They’ve also been known to learn the usual mail delivery patterns in each neighborhood so they can swoop in at a specific time.

Here are a few ways to discourage these thieves from taking your delivered packages:

**Take advantage of carriers like Amazon and UPS that offer package pickup at partner merchants like grocery stores.

** Make arrangements to have your delivery dropped with a neighbor who is home during the day

**If you receive numerous packages, you may want to install a locking drop-box.

**A less-expensive solution may be to have your packages shipped to you at work, if possible.

**Sign up for tracking and delivery alerts and set your smartphone to notify you instantly when a package is delivered. You can also set up a means of concealing boxes on your porch and let the delivery driver know about it using the "Delivery Instructions"box on the order page. Most porch pirates tend to move through neighborhoods quickly, scanning as they go.“Place behind planter” or “place under bench” may be just enough concealment to protect your goods from prying eyes and sticky fingers. If you live in an apartment or condo building, close the door behind you when entering or exiting the building. Report any security concerns, such as dim lighting around entrances or points of easy access, to your property manager.The bottom line, however: don’t allow packages to sit out in plain view all day.