As the holiday season approaches, local authorities are warning residents about the threat of porch pirates who steal packages from porches, especially during this time of year. The Jefferson City Police Department in Missouri is advising people to take precautions to protect their deliveries. Lieutenant David Williams recommends having packages delivered to your workplace or making arrangements with neighbors or family members to receive them securely. He also emphasizes the importance of car safety and not leaving valuable items in plain sight. To avoid falling victim to porch pirates, experts suggest buying online and picking up in-store, requiring a signature for delivery, and installing a doorbell camera. These measures can help deter thieves and ensure the safety of your packages [04209628].
In addition to protecting your deliveries, it's important to consider the overall security of your home while you're away during the holiday season. According to a report from The Longmont Leader, homes are more likely to be burglarized during November and December. To reduce the risk of burglary, there are several steps you can take. One effective measure is to install remote monitoring and alarm systems. These systems allow you to keep an eye on your home from anywhere and can alert you to any suspicious activity. Additionally, connecting lights to a timer can create the illusion that someone is home, deterring potential burglars. It's also crucial to lock all doors and windows before leaving and to remove any potential hiding places around your property. Thieves are often attracted to homes with excess cardboard and boxes, so it's important to dispose of these properly. If you're expecting deliveries, try to schedule them for when you'll be home or ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check for packages. The Oroville Police Department warns that misdelivery due to misspellings or wrong addresses can also result in package loss [59dfe512].
By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of package theft and ensure that your holiday shopping arrives safely. Additionally, implementing measures to secure your home can provide peace of mind while you enjoy your holiday travels [04209628].
Law enforcement in Canada has warned victims of theft incidents, specifically those targeted by 'porch pirates' in the Montreal West area of Quebec, not to share video footage of suspects due to privacy concerns. The theft incidents happen regularly, with suspects finding new ways to steal packages. The thieves often follow delivery cars and grab packages when no one answers the door. Law enforcement officers have urged victims to call 911 and provide proof to initiate an investigation. The police have warned that posting images of suspects online could be a violation of privacy and defamation. In Pennsylvania, 'porch pirates' could face harsher penalties after a new law was signed, and in California, a mother confronted an alleged thief trying to steal a package from her neighbor's porch. The incidents highlight the increasing problem of theft from porches and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing the issue [d36b71b4].
Police in the Canadian province of Quebec are warning against posting surveillance footage of packages being stolen from porches, citing potential violation of privacy of alleged criminals. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) advises citizens to report theft to the police and provide evidence for investigation and charges. Sharing security footage without consent could lead to defamation charges. Some citizens express backlash, criticizing the police for prioritizing criminals over victims. Measures to prevent package theft include requiring signatures for pick-up and arranging to pick up packages from the carrier's depot. A FedEx survey found that 28% of respondents reported having their packages stolen by porch pirates [fb883143].
Leaving These 13 Things by the Front Door Could Keep You Safe
Bob Vila suggests 13 items that can be placed near the front door to improve safety and deter burglars. These items include privacy film, old boots, a security sign, visible house numbers, a fake video camera, a pocket radio, pet rescue decals, a Wi-Fi video doorbell, a door brace, a keypad lock, a reinforced door, motion sensor lights, and a security door. These measures range from simple DIY steps to long-term solutions and can help protect loved ones and property from break-ins. Enhancing front door security is crucial to ensure the overall safety of your home [b08f964e].
TikTokers are going viral on social media with elaborate hotel safety videos, demonstrating 'Home Alone'-style barricading techniques. The trend is gaining popularity, although it's not clear why. Hotel-specific crime statistics are hard to come by, but violent crime in the United States decreased in 2022. Some safety experts believe that these videos are feeding off people's anxiety and fear. However, others argue that they serve as exaggerated reminders to not allow complacency to blind judgment. Safety measures recommended by experts include being aware of surroundings, using secondary door locks, and not leaving valuables out in the open. The American Hotel and Lodging Association has a safety and security program, but it does not address hotel safety videos. Travelers are advised to check that doors and windows are locked, keep room keys on them at all times, and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a hotel employee. Some TikTokers have gained popularity by sharing their own hotel safety tips and providing Amazon links to the products they use [ba3b8f17].
Paranoid travel hacks are gaining popularity amid rising hotel thefts and hidden cameras. These unconventional security strategies include using coat hangers as door barricades and hiding valuables in unexpected locations. Flightattendantbaelee on TikTok demonstrates a method involving two interlinked coat hangers to barricade the door from the inside. She also advises against using the 'do not disturb' sign and recommends hiding valuable items in unexpected places within the hotel room. The rise of these hacks coincides with an increase in hotel thefts and the discovery of hidden cameras in holiday rentals. The digital age has facilitated the rapid dissemination of these hacks through platforms like TikTok. While some may view these hacks as extreme, they reflect a growing acknowledgment of the need for heightened security in an era of ubiquitous surveillance and opportunistic crime. These practices contribute to a broader cultural movement advocating for more robust privacy protections in the hospitality industry [22efdc37].
A package thief in Sacramento was caught on camera wearing a black trash bag disguise while stealing a package from a porch on March 29. The homeowner, Omar Gabriel Munoz, discovered the theft when he received a notification of the package's arrival but couldn't find it when he got home. Munoz checked his security camera footage and saw the thief, covered in a black plastic trash bag, approaching his porch and taking the package. Munoz found humor in the thief's creativity and didn't report the incident to the police since the stolen items were only worth about $10. He shared the door-camera footage with Storyful. The incident occurred on March 29, 2024 [f9fd5713].
‘Porch Pirates For Good’ will be collecting food donations for Kawartha Food Share on June 1st. The semi-annual food drive encourages residents to leave donations on their front porch or doorstep for pick-up by volunteers starting at 9 a.m. Kawartha Food Share general manager Ashlee Aitken explains that Porch Pirates For Good originated from a citywide food drive. Aitken expresses gratitude for any donations and lists the food items needed.
Burglaries occur about once every 30 seconds, according to the FBI. About 34% of burglars always go for the front door to see if it was left unlocked. Homes often aren't all that secure, and any entry point in your home could be considered an access point. The most common access points burglars use to enter homes are front or back doors, sliding doors, unlocked windows, and doggy doors. It is important to always lock your doors and use additional security measures such as wooden dowels or security bars for sliding doors. Homes with low visibility to the street or access points with low visibility are more likely to be targeted. Proper lighting and trimmed shrubbery can help prevent burglaries. Garage doors are also vulnerable entry points, and it is crucial to lock the door in your garage that leads into your home. Pet doors can make your home more vulnerable if not properly secured, and it is advised to replace them with reinforced, tamper-resistant models or remove them completely if not needed [9c9dface].