In recent weeks, deputies have taken multiple reports involving delivered packages that were removed from homes before the intended recipients could retrieve them. These incidents, often called “porch piracy,” are occurring during daytime hours when many residents are at work or away from home.
“Package theft is a crime of opportunity,” Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East said. “Most of these thefts take only a few seconds. A thief can walk up to a porch, grab a box and be gone before anyone realizes what happened. We want our community to be aware and take simple steps to protect themselves.”
Here are tips to help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of package theft:
Track your packages and try to be home when a package is scheduled for delivery. Ask a family member, neighbor or friend to retrieve packages if you will not be home.
Choose secure delivery options. When possible, have packages delivered to a work address, a trusted neighbor, or use secure pickup locations and package lockers.
Require a signature. For high-value items, request a signature upon delivery so packages are not left unattended.
Provide delivery instructions. Ask carriers to place packages in a less visible location such as a side door, back porch, or behind a planter or column.
Use security cameras or video doorbells. Visible cameras can deter thieves and provide valuable evidence if a theft occurs.
Report suspicious activity. If you see someone following delivery trucks, slowly cruising neighborhoods, or approaching porches without a clear reason, call the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents who believe they have had a package stolen should first confirm the delivery with the carrier and then contact the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office to file a report. If home security video is available, we encourage residents to save the footage to provide to our investigators.
“Our deputies are actively patrolling neighborhoods and investigating each report, but we also rely on our community’s eyes and ears,” East said. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, please call us.”
Anyone with information about recent package thefts is urged to contact the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office at 662-234-6421.
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