Shopping online has become a way of life. The convenience, lower prices and instant gratification made online shopping spike hard during the pandemic, and permanently won over many to the shop-fromhome experience. About 75% of Americans receive one or more packages a week, and 22% receive them daily.
But that shift to click-purchase-receive also gave rise to a shopping buzzkill: the porch pirate!
These bold thieves, often working in teams, snatch packages from people’s front porches. Package theft is a growing problem that costs over $8 billion in merchandise a year and affects more than half of all online shoppers.
Research shows that not only do pirates steal to resell valuable items, but they also enjoy the thrill of it and the excitement of surprise--what’s in the package? Aaargh, right?
Pirates have been known to follow delivery trucks and strike right after a package is dropped off, disguise themselves with Amazon vests, and even fight one another for parcels.
Package theft is considered a felony in eight states, and stealing mail from the USPS can be prosecuted as a federal crime.
So, what can you do to protect your parcels and outsmart porch pirates?
• Require a signature for packages.
• Track packages and get delivery alerts so you know when a package hits your doorstep.
• Schedule delivery to choose when your package arrives.
• Have packages delivered to your workplace or a secure location.
• Buy insurance, especially for more expensive items.
• Ask a neighbor to bring in your package when it arrives.
• Install security cameras and make it clear your property is under surveillance.
If you’re a victim of porch pirates, act quickly, as you may have limited time to make a claim. Contact the retailer to find out their policy on package theft.
If the retailer isn’t helpful, contact the shipper. Also, check your credit card benefits, as many credit cards have purchase protection that covers lost or stolen items.
Finally, see something, say something. If you witness porch pirates on the prowl, alert your neighbors and try to get video or pictures of the suspects and their license plates.