Many know porch pirates as the gift that just keeps taking. Since such criminals have become as commonplace as packages themselves, it couldn’t hurt to be prepared to dissuade them from stealing one’s new frying pan ordered fresh from Amazon.
The moniker “porch pirate” refers to an individual who steals packages off doorsteps, much like how real pirates stole loot off ships. At the end of 2019, CNBC reported that approximately, “36% of Americans have had a package stolen from outside their home at least once.” These statistics worsened in 2020, increasing by about 10%. As online ordering becomes the default for more products, such as groceries and even cars, the rates of package thefts will likely continue to escalate. Recently, police arrested a man dressed as Jack Sparrow—a character from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean—for porch pirating, ABC7 reported last month.
Due to the popularity of the crime, many sources attempt to provide valuable insights into the best way to thwart the thieves. Some, like WCPO, suggest video doorbells, as they help deter thieves and potentially identify them. Motion-activated lights may also prove effective in scaring off those who stray from the law. Hiding the package or using a locker system, such as Amazon Locker, may also protect one’s precious packages. Along with these, Spy proffers other methods on guarding deliveries.
Porch pirates and their preferences can easily be predicted, so a person should be ready for when they strike. This especially pertains to people expecting a delivery containing a high-value item. In short, take preventative measures, and the new frying pan won’t get stolen away into the night.