Police warn about porch pirates amid increasing package deliveries during the holidays
Dec 24, 2024
ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) -- During the holiday season you may be getting more packages delivered to your door than normal but that's also a time when more thieves are stealing packages from your door.
According to The Action Network, Virginia is within the top 10 worst states when it comes to thieves stealing packages from your home also known as porch pirates. Residents across the Commonwealth are 10% more likely to get their packages stolen compared to other areas.
According to the Arlington County Police Department, they notice an increase in package thefts around the Christmas holiday.
Last minute holiday shopping tips
"So around the holiday season, we're seeing a lot more packages being delivered. Individuals who are targeting packages for theft know that there's an increased amount of packages being out in our community," said Ashley Savage with the Arlington County Police Department.
Maryland ranked 21 on the list and there is a 6% chance of having your packages stolen. Just this year across the country, porch pirates stole at least 48 million packages which is about 12 million dollars.
"We're really encouraging the public to pick up their packages as quickly as possible. Again, these are often crimes of opportunity with suspects targeting packages left unattended. And so as soon as we can pick those up, for, you know, taking them into your homes as is our best prevention strategy," said Savage.
Here are what residents can do to avoid having their packages stolen, especially during the holiday season:
Schedule shipments for when you're home
Install a doorbell camera
Hava e neighbor pick up the package from your home
Shop or pick up in-store
If someone does steal your package you're encouraged to contact the police.