Package Theft: How To Keep 'Porch Pirates' Away

BIRMINGHAM, AL — With an increasing number of consumers doing their holiday shopping online and having gifts delivered to their doorsteps, package theft becomes more prevalent. "Porch pirates," as law enforcement often dubs them, are out in droves looking for unattended packages to take. But there are steps to take that can help prevent the crime.

A recent study by C+R Research shows that 36 percent of Americans have dealt with package theft within the last year. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching that number is sure to rise.

Reports throughout community message boards and neighborhood meetings involve missing packages and suspicious activity during this time of year. While some may feel the thieves are a step ahead of the victims, Lt. Sean Edwards of the Birmingham Police Department has a few tips that could prevent package theft, whether it is from your front porch or from your car:

• Keep up with tracking information (possibly arrange to be home)
• Check with neighbor to see if they can pick up package
• Request signature only (prevents package from being left behind)
• Secure all items inside vehicle (never leave in plain view)
• Lock inside trunk lock (in case someone broke car window they cannot get in the trunk)
• Take your keys and lock your doors