Fort Myers, FL – With holiday deliveries surging across Southwest Florida this week, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to take extra precautions as porch pirate thefts historically rise during December.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, package theft tends to spike when online shopping increases, making unattended boxes an easy target for opportunistic thieves. Deputies released a new set of safety recommendations Monday aimed at helping residents keep gifts secure before they reach the front door.
Officials urge homeowners to select more secure delivery methods whenever possible—such as requiring signatures or routing packages to pickup lockers. Delivery tracking should also be enabled so residents know exactly when an item arrives.
The agency further recommends hiding drop-off locations by adding specific delivery instructions or using a locking parcel box. Doorbell cameras and motion-activated lighting can also deter would-be thieves, deputies said.
Neighbors may also play a role in preventing theft this season. The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to ask trusted neighbors to grab packages if they will be away during delivery windows. Anyone who sees suspicious behavior is asked to report it immediately.
The reminder comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide prepare for a yearly uptick in porch theft. Data from past holiday seasons shows these crimes often occur during broad daylight and usually involve individuals following delivery trucks through neighborhoods.
Deputies say the goal is to keep the season “merry, bright, and pirate-free” by staying alert and taking a few easy precautions.
Residents can review the sheriff’s full holiday safety checklist on the department’s official social media pages.
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