How to fight porch pirates and protect your online deliveries while on vacation

As online shopping increases during the holiday season, so does the threat of “porch pirates.”

According to officials, these thieves brazenly steal packages from doorsteps despite visible security measures in place.

Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells emphasized the need for vigilance this season.

“This is a time of giving, not taking,” he said in a news release. “If you steal packages, you can be assured that we will find you and prosecute you to all legal means.”

According to SafeWise, more than 1 million package thefts valued at $151,202,446.81 were reported in North Texas. Dallas-Fort Worth ranked eighth among the top ten metropolitan areas for package theft.

Authorities suggest several strategies to mitigate your risks:

Hide your deliveries

Make sure your packages are placed behind bushes or garbage trucks so they are not visible from the street. Visual deterrence is a simple but effective theft prevention measure.

Signatures are required upon delivery

Choose delivery options that require your signature to ensure packages aren’t left unattended on your doorstep.

Community collaboration

Contact your neighbors and arrange for them to pick up packages in your absence. A trusted community network can deter potential thieves.

Strengthen home surveillance

Installing a video doorbell can be a powerful deterrent. These devices not only alert you to arrivals, but also record suspicious activity.

Smart planning

Plan for packages to arrive when you or someone else is home. Alternatively, you can opt for delivery to your workplace or choose in-store collection instead of home delivery.

Phil Sorrells assures the public: “We are doing everything we can to keep our community safe.”

What to do if my package is stolen?

According to SafeWise, if your package is stolen, you contact the retailer – 45% receive a replacement and 32% receive a refund.

You can also alert law enforcement as more states target package theft, and share any surveillance footage with neighbors: 91% have caught the thief and 17% have shared the footage.

Some insurance policies cover package theft and 11% successfully filed claims.