WACO, Texas — There's nothing like the disappointment when you're expecting a package at your front door but it's not there. It can be even worse when you learn that your package was stolen by a 'porch pirate'.
Waco Police Department Public Information Officer Cierra Shipley spoke to 6 News about this trend and how people can avoid falling victim to it.
"People are getting packages sent to their home, they're getting presents... so it's definitely something that we see is a common occurrence this time of year," Shipley explained.
Security.org reports that porch pirates stole $12 billion in packages in the past year, and as many as 58 million Americans have become victims in the last 12 months.
As of November, Waco PD hasn't received any reports of package theft, but if anyone is a victim of porch pirating, Shipley recommends they report it to the police.
"If there is an increase that we see, that also helps us to relay that information to the community as well to let our community members know to look out for this," Shipley added.
Here is a list of recommendations Shipley provided to protect your packages:
- Ask neighbors to pick up your packages when they're delivered
- Install a video doorbell camera
- Schedule your packages to be delivered when you are home
- Have your packages delivered to your job
- Choose parcel/post office pick-up
It is a Class A misdemeanor to intentionally steal mail from fewer than 10 addresses. It is a state jail felony to steal mail from fewer than 30 addresses. Convicted thieves could spend anywhere from six months to 10 years in prison.