Boise Is Being Hit by Porch Pirates

Boise Police said they have seen a few cases of package thefts off of doorsteps this holiday season, and they've got some tips to help you beat the thieves.  

Twenty-six million Americans had a package stolen off of their front porch last year, and Boise is not immune.  Boise Police tweeted earlier this month that they had learned about package thefts from homes on Flintlock, Regal, and Landmark and they offered some tips on preventing those thefts.

Tips from Boise Police on Avoiding Porch Pirates:

Track your packages and shipments. This way you know when your package will be delivered.

Leave specific instructions for delivery when you order the product; you can also do this through the shipper's online tracking services. Do not leave a note on your door with instructions.

If you cannot be home for delivery, ask a neighbor to watch for the package and secure it for you.

Consider having all of your shipments require a signature for delivery.
Have your package delivered to your work or a relative or friend who will be at home.

Consider picking up the package at the Post Office or shipping center.
Be aware of suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Look for strange vehicles and individuals.

InsuranceQuotes.com did a survey and found that package thefts take place all year, but the holiday season is prime time.  In 2018, 26.1 million Americans had a package swiped from their front porch.  That prompted some Idahoans to install security cameras on the front porch or lockboxes that only authorized users have access too.

I always wonder how porch pirates know there's something valuable inside the box.  What if they open up the package, and it's a bunch of cotton balls and paper towels, or some hearing aid batteries for Grandpa?  Being a porch pirate seems like it would be risky in so many ways.

I did have a freak-out moment once this holiday season when I thought a package had been swiped from my front porch, but it turned out it had been delivered to the neighbor's house by accident.  Delivery guys and gals have a lot to keep track of right now, and we'll cut them some slack if they don't always get it right.  But there will be no slack for package thieves, especially if Boise police have anything to say about it.

Happy holidays!  May all your packages arrive on time, and in one piece, and if you see a car creeping along behind a delivery truck like it's ready to pounce, it could be a porch pirate.  Get ready to call 911 and help a neighbor this holiday season.