(CBS-DETROIT) — It’s that time of year again when the Christmas presents arrive at your house, but porch pirates are roaming around intent on making them disappear.
“Daily thefts target people receiving deliveries at their homes, usually on their porches,” said Lt. Brian Woloski of the Novi Police Department.
A quick step onto your porch and within seconds your hard-earned belongings are gone. Local investigators say porch pirates are expected during the Christmas season – and no neighborhood is safe.
“It’s a crime of opportunity: see a package, see a bunch, run up, grab the packages and go,” Woloski continued.
If caught, authorities say criminals could face misdemeanor charges. According to CNET, one in four adults aged 18 to 34 knows someone who has had their package stolen.
But there are steps you can take to protect your items.
“Check the tracking immediately to find out when that package will be delivered to your home. And try to be there when it is delivered,” we are told.
In Northville Township, police are aware of porch pirates. To combat the problem during the holidays, the department is allowing residents to send their items to their main office.
“You will need a government ID to pick it up, that way we can make sure it goes to the right recipient,” said Patrick Reinke, special services lieutenant with the Northville Township Police Department.
For others, authorities recommend investing in home video surveillance. They also say connecting with neighbors can make a difference.
“If you have neighbors at home all the time, maybe they work from home or are retired, and if you see that suspicious vehicle, just call us,” Woloski said.
It is recommended to send the package to a neighbor’s house, or store it when you are not at home, to avoid a potential porch pirate.
