Crime & Safety
New Mexico Porch Pirate Warning as Holidays Near in Albuquerque, Santa Fe
Albuquerque, NM – With Thanksgiving approaching Thursday, Nov. 26, and Christmas shopping underway, New Mexico residents have reason to keep a closer eye on their front porches as holiday package deli
By Cole Barrett · 2026-11-10T21:05:31.425Z
Albuquerque, NM – With Thanksgiving approaching Thursday, Nov. 26, and Christmas shopping underway, New Mexico residents have reason to keep a closer eye on their front porches as holiday package deliveries increase. From Albuquerque and Santa Fe to Las Cruces, Rio Rancho and Roswell, the seasonal rush of online shopping can create opportunities for package thieves, commonly known as "porch pirates."
According to general package theft prevention guidance from law enforcement and major delivery services, packages left unattended outside homes can become targets for thieves, particularly when deliveries remain on doorsteps for extended periods.
The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas traditionally bring heavy shipping activity as shoppers order gifts, decorations and other seasonal items.
Holiday Deliveries Raise Package Theft Concerns
Residents across Bernalillo County, Santa Fe County, Doña Ana County and other parts of New Mexico can take simple precautions to reduce the risk of missing packages.
Enabling delivery notifications, tracking shipments and retrieving boxes promptly can help limit the time packages remain outside.
Shoppers may also consider secure delivery lockers, signature confirmation or having packages delivered to a trusted neighbor when nobody is home.
Doorbell cameras can provide additional visibility around entrances and may capture useful footage if a theft occurs.
Misdelivered Packages Create Additional Problems
The holiday shipping rush can also lead to packages arriving at incorrect addresses.
Anyone who receives a delivery intended for someone else should avoid opening or keeping it and instead contact the carrier or arrange for its return to the correct recipient.
Intentionally keeping another person's property could have legal consequences, depending on the circumstances.
If a package appears to have been stolen, residents should check tracking information, contact the delivery company and report suspected theft to local law enforcement.
With Thanksgiving on Nov. 26 and Christmas on Dec. 25, taking a few extra precautions now could help New Mexico families avoid missing gifts and delivery headaches during the holiday season.