Preventing Theft During Christmas: Porch Pirates Target Packages

CLEAR LAKE, TX -- Tis the season for porch pirates. Police in Nassau Bay are advising residents to take precautions to protect themselves from becoming a target during the holiday season. Cyber Monday is over and the first of many of those online orders are arriving this week.

That mean those holiday grinches, commonly referred to as "porch pirates," are out looking for packages that are left on door steps by buy mail carriers during the Christmas delivery season.

Thieves looking to steal your packages will follow or watch for UPS, Fed Ex, US Mail, and other delivery service trucks so they can target your home after the parcels are delivered.

While this type of crime can occur at any time throughout the year it usually increases around the holidays due to increased shopping practices of residents.

Police have issued a few tips that could help reduce the change of becoming a victim, or at least help you find your package if it turns up missing.

• Ask for a tracking number. Most major shipping companies offer this service at no charge. This number allows you to track your packages and notifies you when they will be delivered.
• Request a “Signature Delivery Option”. This requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they will not be left at the front door.
• Request a specific drop off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages.
• Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up.
• Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good option.
• Have your packages delivered to your workplace.
• Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them.
• Ask to have your packages delivered to a retail store so you can pick them up at your convenience.
• Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a “Watchful Eye” out for your packages. If they’re willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until you return home.
• Leave a note for the carrier instructing them where to leave your packages (Ex: backdoor).
• If your packages do not arrive as scheduled contact the sender immediately.DO NOT rely on security cameras to prevent package thefts. While your security system may very well record thieves stealing your packages, the police department can only file charges if the person or persons are known or identified by someone. It is better to PREVENT the theft rather than trying to track down a thief afterwards. And even if a thief is identified, there is little chance your packages will be recovered.

Officials said if you see a package being stolen in your neighborhood, call 911 and report a crime in progress.

Then confirm your address and provide an accurate description of the suspect(s) and any vehicles that may be used.

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Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images

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