Swampscott Police Warning After Rash Of Porch Pirate Package Thefts

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Swampscott police are warning residents to take extra precautions when having items delivered to their houses amid a rash of reported porch pirate thefts in recent weeks.

Police said they have received reports of thefts where the apparent targets are homes that are receiving packages with electronics inside them via FedEx left on front porches.

Police are advising residents to try to have someone home when they know a package is being delivered, to bring any packages delivered while someone is home inside immediately, to have the items shipped to a store for pick up and to track orders carefully.

"Notify the police department of any suspicious activity prior to a FedEx delivery or after," Swampscott police said. "This crime is also happening in other cities and towns within Massachusetts."

Those who see anything suspicious are asked to contact the police department at 781-595-1111.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)