COPS in Washington DC are cracking down on notorious criminals that steal deliveries from unsuspecting homeowners.
Law enforcement teams are even using technology such as tracking devices in a bid to capture suspects.
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Cops have turned to technology as they admit they can’t have officers patrolling the beat hoping to capture a so-called porch pirate.
In February, police revealed that one man tried to steal a parcel that was covered in Amazon labels.
But it was part of a wider ploy as the box had been put on the porch as a bait tactic, designed to tempt the criminal, per The Washington Post.
Cops were able to capture the suspect as inside were location trackers.
Police said the suspect was a serial offender.
Prosecutors warned he could face up to a year in jail because of his previous charges and convictions
Cops have urged homeowners to install doorbell cameras.
They said footage can help officers charge a suspected criminal with theft.
A survey compiled by Capital One revealed porch piracy caused more than $29 billion in losses during 2022, as reported by Fortune.
The data revealed that more than one in 10 Americans were impacted.
Homeowners have spoken out about how porch piracy has affected them.
Residents in a neighborhood of Springfield, Missouri, despaired after packages were swiped just hours before Christmas, per the NBC affiliate KYTV-TV.
“The individual parked his car, walked up to my porch, and acted like he was going to knock on the door,” Jason Gaynor told the network.
“Then he stole the packages and ran to his car.”
Washington DC is not the only city or state cracking down on porch piracy.
What is porch piracy?
Porch pirates is the term used to describe criminals that steal parcels or packages from unsuspecting homeowners. Cops have shared tips that can help reduce the risk of falling victim to theft.
- Use curbside pickup.
- Install security cameras.
- Have parcels delivered to work addresses.
- Require a signature on deliveries.
- Have a concealed delivery spot.
- Amazon locker delivery.
Source: Franklin County Police
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that increases the penalties.
If porch pirates steal items over $40, then they could be hit with a third-degree felony.
First-time offenders who steal property for less than $40 will be hit with a first-degree misdemeanor offense.
A repeat offense would result in a third-degree felony.
“Florida is taking another step to distinguish ourselves from lawless jurisdictions and keep our residents and businesses safe,” DeSantis said in a statement earlier this month.
“If you steal in Florida, we will catch you and we will prosecute you.”
Republican Bob Rommel, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, said the action will hold criminals accountable.
The law will come into force on October 1.
Major brands such as FedEx and Amazon have measures in place to protect homeowners.
FedEx customers can delay deliveries if they know they are not going to be in.
Amazon shoppers can pick up their packages at locations, as can Walmart customers.
Amazon Prime subscribers can instruct delivery drivers to put their parcels in secure locations.
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