With the holiday season in full swing, porch pirates are on the prowl. Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert urging Floridians to stay vigilant and take precautions against the rising threat of holiday heists.
According to recent reports, 44 million Americans have had a package stolen in the last three months, with the average value of the stolen items amounting to $50.
With many consumers online shopping for the holidays, opportunistic thieves are targeting unattended packages left on doorsteps.
“With Christmas around the corner, I urge Floridians to beware of holiday heists. With the influx of consumers online shopping and deliveries piling up in front of Floridians’ homes, thieves may try to steal the packages. By taking simple precautions like tracking packages and scheduling deliveries wisely, Floridians can help make sure their items don’t end up in the wrong hands,” said Moody.
Attorney General Moody advises Floridians to be vigilant in order to prevent holiday heists:
- Track Packages: Use package tracking services provided by delivery companies to stay informed about the status and expected delivery time of your packages;
- Schedule Deliveries: Whenever possible, schedule deliveries for a time when someone will be home to receive them. Alternatively, consider using delivery lockers or requesting packages to be held at a nearby distribution center;
- Install Security Cameras: Consider installing security cameras to deter potential thieves and provide valuable evidence in case of a theft;
- Neighborhood Watch: Collaborate with neighbors to keep an eye on each other’s homes and report any suspicious activity to local authorities; and
- Require Signatures: Opt for delivery options that require a signature upon receipt, ensuring that packages are handed directly to the intended recipient.
In a recent story covered by the Tampa Free Press, Tampa Police arrested a man they believe to be the porch pirate who stole from more than 20 homes in the city.
Hyson I. Williams, 42, is charged with five counts of felonious petty theft and one count of felony burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, according to Tampa Police.
According to TPD, Williams stole packages from more than 20 homes in the South Seminole Heights neighborhood.
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