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With the holiday shopping season underway, package thefts are on the rise as events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday boost online orders. Thieves, often called “porch pirates,” are targeting unattended deliveries. Law enforcement and homeowners are raising concerns, urging vigilance and preventive measures to protect packages from being stolen during this peak season of online shopping.

In Marysville, Washington, incidents of stolen packages are on the rise compared to previous years. Marysville police reported 49 stolen property offenses so far this year, surpassing the total of 39 cases in all of 2023. This trend reflects a broader issue faced by communities nationwide during the holidays.

A Startling Encounter

Eric, a Marysville resident, recently experienced an unsettling package theft at his home. While at home with his children, he noticed someone approach his porch. Initially, Eric assumed the individual was a delivery worker. However, something about the person’s actions raised suspicion. The thief grabbed a package and fled, prompting Eric to realize the severity of the situation.

The experience was particularly unnerving for Eric because the suspect appeared to have something concealed in their waistband. This detail heightened his concern and discouraged him from confronting the thief. “It is just a package. You can always replace it,” Eric explained, adding that the risk wasn’t worth a potential escalation.

Community Response

The rise in thefts has left many residents on edge, especially as the holiday season typically involves a surge in home deliveries. Eric’s neighbor expressed heightened vigilance, noting the increased volume of packages expected in the coming weeks. Awareness is growing in the community as more people become concerned about securing their deliveries.

Local law enforcement is also emphasizing the importance of being proactive. Marysville police encourage residents to report stolen packages promptly and take preventative measures to deter thieves.

Tips for Preventing Porch Thefts

The holidays are a prime time for package thefts, but there are steps homeowners can take to protect their deliveries. Authorities and experts recommend staying vigilant and monitoring delivery schedules closely. Options such as requiring a signature for packages, installing security cameras, or using lockboxes are also effective deterrents.

Other preventive measures include coordinating with neighbors to retrieve packages promptly or having deliveries sent to secure locations, such as lockers or workplaces. These small steps can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of porch piracy during the bustling holiday shopping season.

Heightened Awareness During Peak Shopping Season

As the season of giving begins, it also marks a time of heightened criminal activity, particularly with the surge in online shopping during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Communities such as Marysville, Washington, are seeing an alarming increase in porch piracy, with thieves targeting unattended packages on doorsteps. This year, Marysville police have already reported 49 incidents of stolen property, surpassing the total of 39 cases in 2023.

The theft of a single package might seem insignificant, but its impact on residents’ sense of security can be profound. For Eric, a Marysville homeowner, witnessing a thief boldly approach his porch and take a package was unsettling. Compounding the fear was the suspicion that the perpetrator had a concealed weapon, which prevented Eric from intervening.

Eric’s experience highlights the growing need for vigilance during the holiday season. Local authorities are urging residents to adopt preventive measures, such as tracking deliveries, using secure drop-off locations, and coordinating with neighbors to retrieve packages promptly.

With porch piracy on the rise, communities must work together to protect their homes and maintain peace of mind during what should be a joyous season. Awareness and proactive measures are key to curbing this troubling trend.