As the holiday shopping season ramps up, millions of Americans will turn to online retailers to help find their gifts. As those package shift, law enforcement officials say consumers should be taking steps to keep thieves from snatching up unattended packages left on front porches.
Madison Police Department spokesman Joel DeSpain says there have been cases of people following delivery trucks, and then grabbing packages once they are left behind. “It takes place every year around this time,” he says.
To help avoid falling victim to the so-called “porch pirates,” DeSpain suggests having your packages delivered where someone is available to accept the item – such as a neighbor or family member you know will be home, or at your place of employment.