Ephrata, WA – With holiday deliveries surging across Washington this month, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to take extra precautions to prevent package theft, commonly known as “porch piracy.” Officials say these thefts typically rise sharply in December as more people order gifts online.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, simple security upgrades can make a major difference. Deputies recommend using motion-activated cameras or video doorbells to deter thieves and capture critical footage. Motion sensor lights and smart delivery alerts can also help residents monitor when packages arrive so they can retrieve them quickly.
The department also suggests delivery alternatives for those unable to be home during drop-offs. Secure pick-up points such as Amazon lockers, UPS Access Points, and local mail centers offer safer options, along with workplace delivery if employer policies allow. A traditional P.O. box or digital mailbox service can provide added security for frequent package recipients.
Delivery management steps may further reduce risk, deputies said. Customers can request delivery signatures, leave specific instructions for drivers to hide packages out of sight, or schedule deliveries for times when someone will be home.
Community-based solutions—such as asking trusted neighbors to collect packages, installing lockable porch boxes, or using visible deterrents—can also help keep thieves away.
Residents who believe a package has been stolen are encouraged to check tracking information carefully and watch for scam texts or emails. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with evidence of package theft to file a police report. In Grant County, reports can be submitted by calling 509-762-1160.
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