Porch pirates, that is
By Deb Risden
A porch pirate is a different kind of thief: one who steals packages that were delivered to a home or business and left on the porch or doorstep. According to an October 2023 national study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 26% of consumers report having a package stolen; 49% of those are from a single-family home versus an apartment or condominium, and the average value of a stolen package is $81.91.
The occurrence of package theft in the Falcon area is less than larger cities like Colorado Springs, said Sgt. Kurt Smith, public information officer for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. “It is less than five this year, based on what was reported to us,” Smith said. “There are more people and opportunities in larger cities. I think Falcon is more tight-knit and people watch out for each other.”
The Chamber of Commerce reports an estimated 92% of consumers are expecting a package delivery during the holiday season and plan to spend an average of $547.21 on online orders. Smith said he anticipates an increase in package thefts during the holiday season because of the increase in online buying.
Smith said the numbers of actual thefts are likely more than what is reported. “Some people might write it off because it’s a small package. It’s based off what is reported,” he said, adding that the reported thefts are down from two years ago when it was high during the COVID pandemic.
Determining whether a theft has occurred is based on delivery. Smith said if the package was delivered and disappears, then it is considered a theft and the owner should call local law enforcement. If the package is lost in transit, it is not considered a theft and the consumer should call the delivery service or seller. “They have to establish it’s been delivered. That’s why some delivery services take a photo of the delivered item at the delivery site,” Smith said.
The Chamber of Commerce reports only 18% of package theft victims said they filed a report with the police after the theft occurred and even fewer (6%) said the thief or thieves were caught.
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Although 38% of Chamber of Commerce survey respondents said they do not believe doorbell cameras deter thieves, 22% who reported theft had a doorbell camera. Consumers reported using a variety of means to prevent theft:
- Delivery tracking — 88% said they track their orders after purchase
- Waiting at home for deliveries (57%)
- Using surveillance cameras (46%)
- Requiring a signature (22%)
- Pick up package at a local store (16%)
The Chamber of Commerce reports that some delivery companies, such as UPS, are using artificial intelligence to help prevent package loss. UPS developed DeliveryDefense, an AI software system that evaluates location, loss frequency, returns volume and delivery attempts. It then predicts the likelihood of a successful delivery, according to UPS.com. Once the software identifies an at-risk shipment, the company will redirect the package to a UPS store or other location.
Amazon offers services to their customers to help protect deliveries, such as a real-time tracking app; choosing a delivery date; identifying a hidden location for delivery; providing alternative package pickup locations, such as Whole Foods Market and other retail stores; an Amazon Share Tracking app for allowing friends, family or neighbors to track a package; and taking a photo of the package when it is delivered.
Amazon encourages customers to take the following steps before reporting the loss to their customer service department:
- Verify the shipping address on the website by checking “Your Orders.”
- Check the Amazon message center for a “notice of delivery attempt” and look for delivery confirmation in “Your Orders.”
- Check delivery instructions in “Your Address” on the Amazon website; physically check in another area around the home or business to see if the package was put elsewhere.
- Check with neighbors and other household members to see if someone else accepted the delivery.
- Wait 48 hours for the package to be delivered because some are recorded as delivered prior to delivery.
Amazon has a claims process whereby it will investigate; and, depending on the situation, refund or replace a stolen purchase.
Smith suggested possible deterrents to porch theft:
- Utilize security systems with cameras, such as Ring.
- Have large or expensive electronic items shipped to stores such as Best Buy and Walmart.
- Direct packages to alternate sites, such as those offered by Amazon.
- Place a lockbox on the porch.
