WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — During the holiday season, people can become more vulnerable to thieves stealing their packages.
According to Security.org, more than 10 million Americans had $2 billion worth of packages stolen in the last three months.
Experts said porch pirates take advantage of unattended packages, especially during the holiday season when deliveries surge.
Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox said having a doorbell camera can help police catch a potential thief.
“We would suggest delivery to the extent one can arrange it at a date and time when you know you're going to be home, building a relationship with the regular delivery people in your area to try to get them to put the packages in a location where they might be less visible,” Fox said.
He said other options to protect packages include having items delivered to one's workplace or people asking neighbors to keep an eye out for them.
Michal Hren lives in a neighborhood where he has friendly neighbors who work from home to keep a lookout for thieves.
“People are always looking out for each other and paying attention, letting us know if they see anything funny,” Hren said.
Although the Hren family never had their package stolen, they still have concerns.
A big package was delivered to their home one day and his daughter said she was nervous someone was going to take it.
“So I called my dad and I asked him if I should move it or something. So I tried moving it but it was too heavy,” Adelaide Hren said. “But then he came home and moved it.”
Fox said while they haven’t had any reported incidents yet, he knows they’re coming and he is issuing a warning to any would-be thieves.
“It's a larceny offense, and it'll be graded based on the value of the property that was taken. But it's also certainly a big old bah humbug during the holiday season as well,” Fox said.
Fox said anyone who suspects their package has been stolen should contact their local law enforcement. He noted that people should also report it to the delivery company and seller of the item to see if they offer any compensation.
“Or anything that they can do to help alleviate the pressure in the situation,” Fox said.
Cayla Cade is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at ccade@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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