Porch pirates on the prowl: How you can avoid being their next target

Porch pirates are still on the hunt for mail and packages, even after the holidays.

With online shopping, the holiday season is when people are waiting to get gifts delivered. But, it’s also a window of opportunity for package thieves.

Several Valley residents have been sharing Ring video or posting about it on Nextdoor, like Palm Desert resident Nicholas Collins.

“It’s a total violation of our privacy and security," Collins said.

Collins was expecting a package on his front step, but instead he discovered an unexpected visitor.

“Found out when I got home that we were supposed to have a package and then checked my ring because it wasn’t there and sure enough... I see this green Kia Soul come forward and kinda slowly make a right, then it leaves frame and then it creep back in reverse," Collins explained.

“I see this person walk up, I see their car, take the package and leave. It was about 30 minutes before I got home.”

Collins, in shock of what happened, immediately turned to the Nextdoor App to post the Ring video.

“It wasn’t really what was stolen, but it was just the audacity of this person," You know, I wanted to try and get them to not do it to someone else, that’s why I really posted it on the app.”

Collins is just one of millions of people every year who fall victim to porch pirates.

Lieutenant Gustavo Araiza with Palm Springs Police tells me there are many ways to prevent it from happening to you.

“Like for instance, if we work with Amazon, they tell you more or less when that package get delivered," Collins said. "So try to do that and and get that scheduled delivery on a date that you're going to be home, if you can't be home, work with your neighbors so that they could intercept that package for you.”

Lt. Araiza also suggests not getting your packages delivered right in front of your door, but instead leaving delivery instructions to leave it behind a pillar or a bush to ensure it's not the first thing that thieves see.

And most importantly, he says if it does happens to you- report it immediately.

“There's quite a few times where we have already looked at these videos, we're able to identify the suspects. We know who they are. We're ready to like file charges on them," Araiza explained. "But we can’t, it's difficult to get that victim to follow through and file that report.”

The Better Business Bureau also suggests these tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your holiday plans (and the rest of the year):

• Check with neighbors. Sometimes, your package may not be stolen, just simply at the wrong address. Before filing a report or contacting the sender, check with your neighbors and see if the delivery service may have dropped off your package at the wrong address. Many delivery companies will take pictures of your package in the designated location – be sure to check for the photo and verify it is at the right spot.
• Don’t leave unattended packages. When possible, do not leave delivered packages unattended for long periods. If you are expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you will be home. Ask your neighbors if they would mind holding on to packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time during the holidays.
• Ship to store. If purchasing an item from a retailer that has a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages they have received, and this is a sure way to avoid porch pirates.
• Use a security camera. Installing a home security system with cameras or simply a camera-enabled doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is under surveillance. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of internet-connected devices and research before you purchase).
• Require a signature. Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works well for those who are often at home, especially for expensive items, it may create difficulties in receiving packages if your schedule and the delivery service are different. Be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
• Consider a package receiving service. Some major retailers, such as Amazon, offer secure package receiving locations away from your home that you can access with a key or code. Some independent businesses also specialize in this service, allowing you to designate a different delivery location for your packages and the ability to pick them up on your way home.

If you fear that your package has been stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on which delivery service you use, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses.