“Theft of parcels from porches is unfortunately not a new phenomenon, especially around the holidays,” says Acting Sergeant Laureen Willms, with EPS Southeast Division. “Lately, we have even seen cases where suspects follow delivery trucks and scoop up packages almost immediately after delivery.”
To help deter porch pirates, police recommend the following options and security tips:
- Track your package and aim to have someone home to receive it in person.
- Have packages delivered to your workplace or another trusted person who can be home during the day.
- Have Amazon deliveries sent to one of Amazon’s secure pickup locations.
- Enterprising homeowners could set up a lockable container that is secured to the porch, and leave instructions for delivery drivers to lock it after dropping off packages.
- If you have a doorbell camera, make sure it is positioned to record images of any potential thief’s face. This will help police identify suspects and connect them to repeat occurrences.
The fall and winter months often see the highest number of reports of parcel thefts to police. September and October 2024 saw an increase of 47% (+56 occurrences) compared to 2023, with a large spike in October this year over last year.
Thefts of delivered packages from porches as reported to police in 2023 and 2024 to date:
|
2023 thefts
|
2024 thefts
|
January
|
71
|
80
|
February
|
56
|
53
|
March
|
54
|
42
|
April
|
60
|
57
|
May
|
45
|
55
|
June
|
68
|
64
|
July
|
78
|
60
|
August
|
53
|
60
|
September
|
46
|
61
|
October
|
73
|
114
|
November
|
97
|
n/a
|
December
|
116
|
n/a
|
If a package does go missing, citizens are advised first to contact the retailer or shipping service to ensure it was not lost during transport or delivered to an incorrect address.
If the delivery was stolen, thefts of items worth $5000 or less can be reported to police online. However, if you have video of the theft, you are asked to report it at a police station or call the non-emergency complaint line at 780-423-4567, or #311 on a mobile device.
Reporting thefts from porches helps police investigate, track, and plan resources to combat this common occurrence and promote community safety and security.
The EPS is running a holiday safety public education campaign throughout the holiday season to help share safety tips, including theft prevention and vehicle and home security. Visit us at our website and on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook for more information!