Grinch got ya? What to do - and know - about porch piracy

Kaitlyn McCormick, Cherry Hill Courier-Post
Updated ·2 min read

You've spent hours painstakingly finding the perfect Christmas gifts.

A new gaming console for your boyfriend. The latest UGGs for your little sister. A new purse for mom.

But your packages don't arrive. Well, they made it to your doorstep, just not to you.

Porch piracy, or package theft, is a third-degree crime in New Jersey with possible fines and even jail time.

What's the penalty for package theft in New Jersey?

In 2022 New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed into law The Defense Against Porch Pirates Act, formerly bill A3870.

The law not only makes package theft of less than $75,000 or unknown value in New Jersey a third-degree crime, but the amendment to the state's theft statute also induced punishments of three to five years in prison and or up to $15,000 in fines.

How often are packages stolen?

According to a 2023 study by Forbes, porch pirates stole 260 million packages in 2022 with an estimated value of $19.5 billion.

Furthermore, Forbes reports that 52% of Americans have had Amazon packages stolen, followed by 43% from USPS and 38% UPS.

How to prevent package theft

To minimize your chances of having your packages pilfered this holiday season, consider following some of these tips:

  • Schedule your delivery for a time you'll be home

  • Have your delivery shipped to a secure place like an Amazon or UPS locker

  • Invest in a doorbell camera or smart alert system for extra security

  • Track your shipping and delivery statuses

How to report a package theft in New Jersey

So, have you been the victim of a porch pirate?

To report a theft, contact your local police department and/or the United States Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455.

Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: How to prevent porch pirates and keep deliveries safe this season