All articles tagged with #porch pirates
Originally Published 25 days ago — by ABC7 Los Angeles
A homeowner in Fulton County, Georgia, was charged with aggravated assault after shooting two teenagers attempting to steal packages from his porch; the incident raises questions about the use of deadly force in property crimes.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KABC-TV
Canadian authorities in Quebec have warned victims of porch-pirate thefts not to post videos of the suspects in the act, citing privacy laws. Instead, they advise people to turn over any video evidence to the authorities. This warning has sparked a strong backlash on social media.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by PetaPixel
Police in Quebec have cautioned residents against posting surveillance footage from home security cameras on social media, even if it captures alleged criminals like "porch pirates." The warning comes amid a surge in thefts, particularly during the holiday season, in Montreal West. Authorities emphasize the presumption of innocence and the right to privacy in Canada, urging people to report evidence to the police for investigation rather than sharing it publicly. The complex issue of privacy rights for alleged criminals has also been a topic of concern in other Canadian regions, with potential legal consequences for those who violate privacy laws.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo News
As the holiday season brings an increase in package thefts, law enforcement agencies are offering tips to avoid falling victim to porch pirates. Suggestions include using package tracking, installing video doorbells or security cameras, utilizing "package pick up" or "hold at location" services, using Amazon lockers, considering a porch lockbox, requiring a signature on delivery, purchasing a mailbox sensor, scheduling deliveries for when someone is home, and purchasing insurance for high-value packages.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by News10NBC
Police in Rochester, New York, are warning residents about the rise of porch pirates, thieves who steal packages delivered to people's homes. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office and Brighton Police Department are investigating multiple cases of stolen packages, with thieves targeting apartment complexes. Law enforcement advises residents to have packages delivered to secure locations such as workplaces, storage lockers, or trusted neighbors. Efforts to partner with Amazon for more secure delivery have been hindered by inconsistent use of passcodes by delivery services. Authorities are urging anyone with information on package thieves to contact 911.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by FOX 31 Denver
An Englewood man has designed and built his own lock box, called the "Tommy box," to deter porch pirates during the holiday season. With package theft becoming a prevalent issue, authorities recommend being home for deliveries, tracking packages, using secure pick-up locations, and installing cameras. The rise in package theft during the holidays prompts police departments to advise homeowners to take precautions and report any incidents to help detect emerging trends.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WCAX
Porch pirate thefts are increasing during the holiday season in South Burlington and surrounding areas, with multiple reports of stolen packages. Residents are advised to track packages online, be present for delivery, get a post office box, or invest in a locking mailbox to protect their mail. South Burlington Police are scanning Ring camera footage and have leads but have not made any arrests yet.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The US Sun
Police in Sacramento, California, have launched a "bait package program" to combat the rising problem of porch pirates stealing Christmas presents. The program involves placing trackers in recycled Amazon boxes filled with expensive items. When the box is moved, dispatchers are alerted and police track down the thief in real-time. Stealing a package worth $950 or more is considered a felony, while less expensive items result in a ticket and court attendance. The program has been activated seven times since November 1, resulting in one felony arrest and three misdemeanor charges. Residents are encouraged to report stolen packages to help identify theft hot spots.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
Porch piracy, the theft of packages from doorsteps, is on the rise, with estimates of 100-250 million stolen packages in the US in the last year alone, totaling $6-20 billion. Experts suggest that consumers take precautions such as requesting signature requirements, scheduling deliveries when someone is home, using smart lockers or secure devices, and engaging with their community to prevent theft. While technology like video surveillance cameras and GPS tracking devices have been used, their effectiveness in deterring theft is questionable. Shipping companies are also implementing artificial intelligence and analytics to identify high-risk deliveries and prevent losses.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by FOX 29 Philadelphia
Police in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, are using "bait packages" equipped with GPS trackers to catch porch pirates during the holiday season. The police chief stated that the packages are placed in areas where thefts are likely to occur. Authorities are currently searching for a woman suspected of three package thefts, who allegedly posed as a UPS employee. Residents are advised to report any stolen packages to the local police.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
With the rise of online shopping during the holiday season, the threat of porch pirates stealing packages from doorsteps is increasing. To protect your deliveries, consider using a video doorbell to deter thieves and capture their faces. Choose a delivery date when someone will be home, sign up for delivery notifications, and talk to your delivery drivers to ensure safe placement of packages. Utilize Amazon Lockers or install a locking delivery box or smart mailbox for added security. Another option is Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, which allows packages to be securely placed inside your garage. Stay informed about nearby package theft reports and consider requesting a signature confirmation for deliveries. By implementing these strategies, you can keep your packages safe and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KATU
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is gearing up for the 2023 holiday rush by increasing its processing capacity through hiring more workers and purchasing new package sorting machines. USPS processed over 11.7 billion mail and packages during the 2022 holiday season. To prevent porch pirates from stealing packages, USPS recommends having packages delivered to a trusted source or workplace. Important shipping deadlines include December 16 for USPS ground advantage and first-class mail, December 18 for Priority Mail, and December 20 for Priority Mail Express. USPS encourages customers to send their packages early to ensure timely delivery.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
UPS is using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to combat package theft by "porch pirates." The company's program, DeliveryDefense, generates a delivery risk assessment based on UPS delivery data, historical loss patterns, and address characteristics. It provides a score that retailers can use to recommend the best delivery option to ensure packages reach their intended destination. In cases where the risk score is low, merchants can suggest in-store pickup or delivery to a UPS Access Point. The tool is available to businesses of all sizes and can be integrated into their order fulfillment systems. Consumers can receive alerts about their package deliveries through the UPS My Choice program, which allows them to provide delivery instructions.