Holiday Shopping: Plan To Prevent Porch Pirates

December 9, 2018

The Christmas shopping season is in full swing, and it is the time to plan ahead to prevent package thefts by “porch pirates”.  Deputies urge residents to think ahead about how their packages will be delivered before making online purchases this holiday season.

Throughout the year, law enforcement agencies receive reports of thefts of delivered items, often snagged from a mailbox or front porch.  But with a higher volume of deliveries during the holiday shopping season, the potential for thefts goes up.

Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Chip Simmons said that preventing package theft begins when the purchase is made.

“It starts with awareness whether you are shopping in the store or expect to have delivered to your home,” he said.  “It’s awareness knowing where your packing is going to be and when it will be delivered.”

Here are some tips you can follow to keep your packages safe from porch pirates:

  • Track your package online and arrange a specific date and time for delivery when you will be home to receive it. Many of the large carriers offer this option.
  • If possible, have packages delivered to your workplace instead of your home.
  • Have your packages delivered to someone who can receive them in person, like a trusted neighbor or a relative.
  • Request that the shipper hold your packages at its delivery distribution center for pickup.
  • If shopping with a large retailer, choose in-store pickup.
  • Install a security camera on your porch, put thieves on the defense by recording their every move
  • Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area
  • Request a signature delivery option, if available.
  • If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and law enforcement.

Suspicious activity can be reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.

Comments

2 Responses to “Holiday Shopping: Plan To Prevent Porch Pirates”

  1. That guy on December 10th, 2018 11:43 am

    Ive already seen strange cars driving oddly through my dead end street. Keep a look out for your neighbors.

  2. 429SCJ on December 10th, 2018 7:18 am

    What you leave on your porch is your business.

    Leave the Porch Pirates a little surprise.

    Theft is a dexterous action, starts in the eyes and spreads to the hands.

    But then there are children to consider.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News