How Common Is Porch Pirating?

Porch pirates are fairly common. According to the 2019 Package Theft Statistics Report by C+R Research, 36% of Americans have experienced package theft at least once, and an additional 56% said that it had happened to someone they know.

How common are porch Pirates?

Unfortunately, porch pirates are far too common just about everywhere. In bigger cities, you can imagine the problem is worse. The New York Times reported nearly 90,000 packages go missing daily.There are people who will have devices on their porch where you can lock things away and have a padlock.”

How often are packages stolen from porch?

Porch pirating is a massive issue across the United States, from March to July 2020, 1 in 5 Americans reported a stolen package.

Do people steal packages off porch?

But buying online opens us up to a big risk: package theft. Packages may sit on the front porch all day while we’re at work or days at a time if we’re on vacation, which gives thieves plenty of time to snag them. And if a package is stolen, you may not have much recourse.

Why are there so many porch Pirates?

The Thrill of Stealing
When someone does something they know is wrong, their heart rate will rise. Their blood pressure will spike. They will feel an adrenaline rush which can lead to a feeling that is very similar to a “high.” Because of this, many porch pirates steal purely for the thrill.

Is porch piracy a crime?

Current law provides that a theft of a package from the porch or entryway of someone’s home is considered a misdemeanor. SB 358 would allow prosecutors to charge a “porch pirate” with a misdemeanor or with a felony in the third or subsequent conviction during a 36-month period.

Is porch piracy a federal crime?

Not only is stealing a state crime, but you might find yourself caught up in federal charges, in particular, theft.

How does Amazon deal with porch Pirates?

Amazon covers most stolen packages through its “A-to-Z” Guarantee Protection. Sometimes, purchases that are “fulfilled by Amazon” are actually sourced from retail partners known as “Amazon Sellers.” (You should know if that’s the case at the time you order the item.)

How do you prevent porch Pirates?

Below are seven tips from the BBB to prevent package thieves from dampening your holiday spirits.

1. Check with your neighbors.
2. Don’t leave packages unattended.
3. Ship items to the store.
4. Use a security camera.
5. Require a signature.
6. Consider a package receiving service.
7. File a report.

How do you protect against porch Pirates?

Guard Your Gifts: 7 Effective Strategies for Defeating Porch Pirates This Holiday Season

1. Use a Video Doorbell To Deter Thieves.
2. Use a Smart Delivery Box.
3. Set Up Outdoor Security Cameras.
4. Install Motion-Activated Lights.
5. Provide Specific Delivery Instructions (or Pick a Set Delivery Time)
6. Give Amazon Locker a Try.

What kind of people are porch Pirates?

A porch pirate is someone that steals newly delivered packages from other people’s porches, hence the name. They often target larger packages, which may indicate a higher value item.

Do porch Pirates ever get caught?

Porch pirates are hard to catch.
Though more and more homeowners are catching their package theft on camera, this doesn’t do a lot to protect your packages from being stolen. One source claims that police make arrests in less than 10% of reported theft cases.

Who is liable for porch Pirates?

The key parties involved in getting a package to a consumer are the Seller, the Delivery Company, and the Buyer. Unfortunately, if the package cannot be retrieved, there are no clear laws that put the onus on any one party.

What state has the most porch Pirates?

The top spot for larceny is D.C., with 3,775 crimes reported per 100,000 residents. It’s followed by Massachusetts and Idaho. Georgia is among the 14 states that have passed or are considering laws to penalize porch piracy. Georgia’s law went into effect in July.

How often do Amazon packages get stolen?

For Amazon lost packages, an average of 51 packages a year got reported missing or stolen. Porch pirates have taken advantage of the rise of eCommerce due to the pandemic to steal from others.

How many packages get stolen every day?

The number has grown by 7 percent since 2019. That means that potentially two out of five home deliveries are taken from the delivery point. Some of the latest reports state that 1.7 million packages are stolen every day.

Is stealing a package a crime?

Package theft is often considered a minor crime that is not worthy of investigation by police. In most circumstances, once a package is delivered the resident would be considered the victim of a theft, but delivery companies and retailers often provide refunds or replacements; which impacts the entire supply chain.

Is it a crime to steal a package?

Theft of a delivered Amazon or other package delivered by a package delivery service NOT related to the USPS is just a matter of theft. It would be prosecuted under a State law in the theft statutes. It is NOT a federal crime.

Is taking packages illegal?

Package Theft May Constitute Burglary or Federal Charges
A person could also face federal charges for stealing a package from someone’s property. Mail theft is in violation of 18 U.S. Code § 1708, and this offense carries harsh penalties, including up to five years’ imprisonment for each offense.

What is the charge for stealing a package?

In California, mail theft is a public offense punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine to be determined by the court judge. You may be required to pay victim restitution in an amount equal to or higher than the value of the stolen items, as well.

Is stealing packages a felony in California?

What Does California’s Current Theft Law Say About Stolen Packages? Under California’s current law, package theft is merely a misdemeanor crime, like shoplifting. This is true no matter how many prior criminal convictions are on the defendant’s criminal record.