Porch piracy increases during the holidays, officials warn

Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and BBB share tips to protect packages this season

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Packages arriving on doorsteps have become an easy target during the holiday season.

According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, porch piracy rises after Black Friday, when deliveries are more frequent.

To combat theft, the sheriff’s office is offering tips such as asking neighbors to pick up packages, building a lock box for delivery drivers, and using cameras to monitor homes.

Captain Dennis Terry, who oversees the Property Crimes Division, says simple steps around the home can make a big difference.

Terry encourages residents to keep their homes well lit, maintain their yards and place barriers that make it harder for someone to reach a porch. He says adding obstacles can discourage thieves who are looking for a quick opportunity.

Terry says the issue extends beyond Middle Georgia.

Porch piracy, he says, is a nationwide problem. Georgia ranks eighth in the nation for porch piracy, with about 8,000 packages stolen daily.

To help investigators solve these cases, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office has launched Operation Safer Together, a program that allows residents to register exterior cameras. If a crime happens nearby, investigators can request footage to assist with the investigation.

Consumer advocates also warn that stolen packages are not the only concern during the holidays.

Kelvin Collins with the Better Business Bureau of Central Georgia says this time of year attracts scammers as well as thieves. Collins warns that criminals are often looking for quick ways to separate people from their money, including taking packages directly off doorsteps.

Collins also cautions residents to be wary of delivery-related text messages or emails that claim there is a problem delivering a package. He says those messages often include links designed to steal personal information.

Instead, Collins recommends tracking packages directly through official retailer apps or company websites.

Officials say awareness, communication, and secure delivery habits can go a long way in protecting holiday packages.

When a suspect is caught and stolen merchandise is recovered, deputies say packages are typically returned to their rightful owners. If stolen packages are not recovered or are destroyed, victims are advised to contact the delivery company and report the theft.