“Porch pirate” crimes, where thieves steal packages from outside homes, have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This holiday season, one family got a special surprise when their presents were stolen.
According to local outlet Fox 26 in Houston, Texas, the culprits had a change of heart and returned the packages they took from Bryant Clark’s porch.
“Honestly, it was shocking. You don’t expect somebody to steal something from you and bring it back,” Clark said. “These are for our two nieces and my nephew.”
Clark could see the gift bandits in footage obtained by his doorbell camera. They came to loot the packages just minutes after they were delivered. In October, WBBM reported on a similar package-stealing scam in New Hampshire.
Fox 26 said that authorities arrested a 19-year-old woman who was suspected of taking the package from Clark’s home. Parents of the suspect and and three other girls involved in the theft reportedly persuaded them to return the gifts and apologize to the family.
“The level of courage in that, I have to respect. I’ve been a young man before. I’ve made foolish decisions. I think we all have. I believe grace is something given when not deserved, and we have to give it,” said Clark.
He added that he was proud of them for returning the packages.
Many victims of porch pirate thefts are not as lucky as the Clark family. According to data released by Security.org late last month, porch pirates stole from 49 million Americans over the past year.
“We conducted a porch piracy study involving more than 18,000 adults in all 50 states and continue to research the subject quarterly,” said the site. This research indicates that this type of theft has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For those who are expecting holiday packages to show up at their doorstep soon and want to avoid losing them to porch pirates, The Verge has a list of tips.
These include:
· Using a security camera or smart doorbell like the Clark family did
· Using an Amazon Locker or another secure drop-off location
· Using Amazon Key, a service for prime members where packages can be dropped off inside recipients’ garages
· Picking up packages from a store instead of having them delivered
· Tracking packages with services such as USPS tracking
· Requiring a signature for packages
· Letting neighbors know that you have packages coming
· Insuring packages
· Contacting package vendors immediately if packages go missing or don’t arrive on time
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