By Hank Russell
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about the rise of package theft and providing tips to protect consumers from porch pirates, or those who steal packages from people’s homes. Package theft increases during the holiday season, and James encourages all New Yorkers to take steps to protect their deliveries and report instances of theft to local law enforcement.
According to Security.org’s 2024 Package Theft Annual Report, these thieves known as “porch pirates” stole $12 billion in packages nationwide from as many as 58 million Americans. That means one out of four Americans have been victims of these thefts. Six percent of New York residents surveyed said they had a package swiped from their home in the last three months.
The report goes on to say that nine in 10 Americans are worried about having their packages stolen this holiday season. However, 14% said they do not take any precautions to prevent package theft, and more than 40 million people admit to leaving the front door unlocked when leaving home.
“Package and mail theft can be heartbreaking and put New Yorkers’ personal and financial information at risk,” James said.“As package theft spikes during the holiday season, every New Yorker should know how to keep their deliveries and personal information safe from thieves. I urge everyone to remain vigilant, and protect themselves and their mail by following our important tips.”
As part of her ongoing efforts to combat theft and protect New Yorkers, James recommends the following tips for New Yorkers to follow to prevent package theft:
- Always pick up your mail promptly when delivered. Do not leave it in your mailbox or on your porch overnight. If you are expecting checks, credit cards, or any other financial items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail if you are unable to do it promptly.
- Sign up for tracking alerts, such as USPS’ Informed Delivery service, which provides email notifications for incoming mail and packages, to know when your package is scheduled to be delivered. When signing up for tracking alerts, verify that the URL you are using is legitimate. Scammers often solicit potential victims using fraudulent package tracking messages.
- If you cannot be home to receive a package, opt to have it delivered to a secure location like a USPS Smart Locker or use the USPS Hold Mail Service. Letters and packages will be held securely at your local Post Office until you return.
- When mailing something important, consider requesting signature confirmation for the intended recipient or using the Hold for Pickup option, which allows the recipient to collect the package at their local Post Office.
- Use a doorbell camera or video surveillance system to help deter thieves or assist law enforcement in identifying them.
The Suffolk County Police Department said the last tip can be a help to law enforcement. “Having a visible security system may deter criminals from stealing,” the SCPD said in a statement. “If you do fall victim, a camera can help identify and locate thieves.”
If a resident sees someone stealing a package, the SCPD says, “Call police, do not confront them.”
James says anyone who suspects that their mail was stolen or sees a theft in progress should contact police immediately and then report it to Postal Inspectors by calling (877)-876-2455.