TPD warns of ‘porch hacking’ this holiday season

TAMPA, Florida. – As the holiday shopping season shifts into high gear, Tampa police are seeing an increase in package thefts.

While many people are taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday deals, unattended deliveries are becoming a target for thieves.

“Online shopping is very convenient, but it’s a concern when people come to pick up your stuff,” said Terry Miffitt, a Tampa resident.

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Miffitt’s husband, Paul Miffitt, added: “Home delivery is more and more popular every day, so why fight a security guard when you can just take things off a porch? If they don’t like not that, well, it was free!”

The problem of so-called “porch hacking” is widespread.

Security.org reports that $12 billion worth of property was stolen last year, affecting one in four Americans.

“This is not a problem that is going to go away,” said Corie Colliton of Security.org. “Even though there is more and more technology to monitor what is happening outside your home, package theft remains a growing problem.”

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To protect deliveries, experts recommend scheduling packages when you’re home, using secure pickup locations like Amazon lockboxes, asking a neighbor to pick them up, or requesting a signature for shipping items. great value.

“At this time of season, package thefts increase. We urge residents to take extra precautions when delivering packages. If you are not home, ask a neighbor to pick them up for you,” Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said.

Bercaw said TPD’s goal is simple: “to keep everyone safe and ensure this season is both joyous and safe for everyone.”

If your packages are stolen, police suggest reporting the crime and sharing doorbell camera footage, which can help identify the culprits.

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