Maquoketa, IA – Holiday shoppers across Jackson County and eastern Iowa are being urged to take extra precautions this week as porch thefts typically rise during the December shipping rush. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office announced a partnership with Amazon to share practical steps families can use to keep deliveries secure.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, package theft remains a concern locally despite increased home security cameras and tracking technology. To help reduce thefts, deputies are promoting several Amazon tools designed to give customers more control over when and where packages arrive.
One of the main recommendations includes using Amazon’s real-time Map Tracking feature, which lets customers monitor delivery vehicles as they approach. Officials also encourage residents to specify hidden or alternative drop-off locations—such as behind a planter, inside a porch box, or at a side door—to keep packages out of view.
More than 25,000 Amazon pickup locations across the country offer additional security, allowing customers to retrieve items at lockers, counters, and partner stores instead of leaving them unattended at home. Amazon Share Tracking also allows customers to send delivery status updates to friends or family members who can pick up packages if the recipient isn’t home.
Deputies further recommend checking Amazon’s delivery confirmation photos to verify where packages were placed, as well as using Same-Day Delivery when available to narrow delivery windows and reduce the amount of time items sit outside.
Local officials say simple steps such as these can significantly reduce the risk of porch piracy, especially during the high-volume 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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