What to do about "porch pirates"? I just read that stealing packages from people's doorsteps is...

twiigss · M

There are tons of YouTube videos about porch pirates. One guy set up a shotgun blank to fire when the box was picked up. I think it was rigged to something that made it go off, not by using a shotgun.

Another guy made a glitter box. So it was like 4 cellphones to record video, and when the actual product box was opened (was made to look like a headphone box) the cameras start recording, glitter sprays everywhere and fart spray begins spraying. It has a GPS on it so he can find it and reuse it.

Then there's videos of people stealing and being caught in the act.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

I while ago I read about this. I don't know whether it worked or whether it is still in use.

Some delivery service (I think Amazon) worked out a system where they would somehow be able to open the trunk of your car, which you leave parked on your driveway, put the package in the trunk and then close and lock it.

Don't ask me for details about how that would work, because I do not know.

TheConstantGardener · 56-60, M

It's theft and a crime. Report it to the police.

Nimbus · M

Catch the Scousers and hand them over to the police.

smiler2012 · 56-60

{@greenmountaingal ] really the parcel firm are much to blame for this . if there is nobody at home to accept the package they should see if a neighbour will take it or failing that take it back to the depot leaving a message to say you had tried to leave the package but got no answer

DrSunnyTheSkeptic · 26-30, M

Thankfully in most of Europe if not all we don't have that problem. You get the delivery to your door, if you're not home they leave it at the closest office and then it's your problem.

Guess whatever punishment you'd get for this isn't enough to deter people from stealing other's mail.

comfi1 · 61-69, M

Here in the UK we can usually make arrangements with the carrier to either change the delivery day so we are in if a signature is needed or to leave the package in a place where it wont be seen by passersby.

Ynotisay · M

Happens sometimes where I live and the best course is a Ring camera. They have them with a voice warning. As long as they know they're on camera that's going to help most of the time.

curiosi · 61-69, F

I read where someone filled boxes with their cats used kitty litter and left them on the porch. The porch pirates stopped stealing as they assumed it was going to be kitty litter.

Blodyn · 22-25, F

That is a new idea to me but new ideas spread quickly.

REMsleep · 41-45, F

Amazon has lockers in most areas now. You can have your package delivered to the Amazon locker instead of your home. The lockers are in everyday places such as gas stations or in front of Walmart.

There isin't much that you can do to a package thief unless you are home.
You can put up a sign that you own a gun and will use it