box on front step

Although consumers are always encouraged to shop local when they can, online sales are expected to be at an all-time high this holiday season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.  With this increase in purchases and deliveries, experts expect to see an increase in porch piracy as well.

A porch pirate is someone that steals newly delivered packages from front porches.

According to C+R Research’s 2019 Package Theft Statistics Report, Americans spend an average of $222 per month on e-commerce purchases. In fact, 44% of households receive at least one package delivery per week and 36% have had a package stolen at least once from their home.

The Mentor Police Department has formed a special undercover detail to combat porch pirates.  Undercover officers will be operating throughout city neighborhoods utilizing a variety of tools including unmarked vehicles, surveillance equipment, and the use of bait boxes that contain GPS tracking units.

Several years ago, Mentor Police recognized the link between organized retail theft rings and drug abuse. The highly successful Retail Theft Detail led to a significant decrease in retail theft in the City and now serves as a model for other departments across the country. They are confident this new initiative will help garner similar results.

“This is ultimately about deterrence. Word got out to the theft rings about the program and they quickly determined that this was not a place they wanted to operate,” says Mentor Police Captain Mike Majernik.

Like auto-theft, porch piracy is a crime of opportunity. Thieves will often follow a delivery truck or simply cruise around an area looking for an attractive target.  And, like retail-theft, thieves are looking for high value items that they can flip quickly.

Mentor Police are doing what they can, but residents are reminded that taking precautionary steps to protect themselves is the first line of defense.

Track your order online and try to be home when a delivery is anticipated. The longer a package sits on your front step, the more attention it will attract. If you can’t be home, have someone you trust retrieve your package for you. If possible, request that your delivery be placed near a side or rear door that is out of sight or arrange to have your delivery sent to your workplace if permitted.

Invest in security cameras. Low cost options can now send notifications to your phone when motion is sensed and offer two-way communication options. You can also invest in a lockable delivery box or a smart garage door opener which lets your open and close your garage door from anywhere.

Residents are also encouraged to join Operation Scram – a secured GIS database that allows Mentor Police to locate cameras on a map near crime. Registration of video surveillance system does not grant the Mentor Police Department, or its agents, access to a system, it simply lets law enforcement know the location of these systems in Mentor.

Finally, be a good neighbor and keep an eye out for each other. If you see a suspicious car, or a theft in progress, jot down the license plate and contact the police.  A description of a suspect or their vehicle, a partial license plate, stolen property, and other factors can lead to arrest.  Those convicted of misdemeanor theft in the City of Mentor can face up to six-months in jail, even for a first offense.

If you think you have been a victim of theft, contact the Mentor Police Department at (440) 255-1234 to report it.