Package thieves, often called “porch pirates,” pose a growing threat to online shoppers.
Over the past year, criminals have stolen about $12 billion in goods delivered to people’s homes, according to data from Security.org, which reviews security products. Security camera footage shows thieves running away with packages delivered to a home or even brazenly impersonating the homeowner to accept an item directly from the delivery person.
“I just took your package,” a FedEx delivery man said in a clip of a thief making off with a package that had been deposited at a recipient’s door just seconds earlier.
“I saw a man, take the package and go off stage left,” Illinois resident Don Archer told CBS News about his own brush with a porch pirate. In Archer’s case, footage captured by a doorbell security camera ultimately led to the burglar’s arrest.
Not everyone is so lucky. “I know of at least four houses that received packages,” Archer noted.
Porch pirate insurance
That’s where PorchPals comes in. For $120 a year, the company will reimburse consumers for up to three stolen packages worth up to $2,000 each.
PorchPals CEO James Moore said the claims process is simple. Members must answer a handful of questions, including the stolen one, and provide the company with a receipt and shipping tracking number. Coverage covers all types of deliveries, from groceries to furniture and electronics.
Moore noted that it can be easier for criminals to steal from other people’s homes, compared to stores.
“It’s not always a criminal ring or a seasoned criminal. Sometimes it’s just an opportunity — there’s a Christmas present on someone’s porch, and it could be someone playing a cruel prank,” he told CBS MoneyWatch. “Other times, a real crime ring follows FedEx trucks or receives a list of Apple iPhones that are delivered on a certain day to certain locations.”
Consumers can thwart porch pirates by sending their purchases to UPS stores, while Amazon allows the e-commerce giant’s customers to have packages shipped to the nearest Whole Foods location.
Some local police commissioners even accept packages from residents, including in Washington, DC, where people can receive deliveries at station lockers provided by Amazon.
“It’s a good idea, it doesn’t cost your city anything,” Metropolitan Police Department Deputy Chief Sylvan Altieri told CBS News. “It gives relief to consumers and their citizens who want that, and you’re not taxing labor or anything like that.”