St. John, IN – With the holiday shopping season quickly approaching, St. John Police are urging residents to stay alert for “porch pirates” — thieves who steal packages left outside homes. The warning comes as millions of Americans prepare for an influx of deliveries in the coming weeks.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), more than 49 million Americans had at least one package stolen in 2022, with an estimated 260 million packages taken nationwide. The average value of a stolen item is about $50, adding up to $19.6 billion in total losses across the U.S.
Police and the NCPC recommend several preventive steps to reduce theft risk:
- Have packages delivered to a secure parcel locker or workplace.
- Schedule deliveries for times when someone is home.
- Ask carriers to require a signature before leaving a package.
- Set up temporary delivery holds when traveling.
Authorities emphasize that porch piracy tends to spike between November and January, when online shopping peaks. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately and share footage from home security cameras when possible.
As the NCPC notes, “Porch pirates strike when you’re least expecting it.” Taking a few precautions now can help ensure gifts and deliveries make it safely inside this holiday season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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