Dallas Police Warn of Porch Pirates and Share Tips for Safe Holiday Package Deliveries

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us, the Dallas Police Department is urging residents to take proactive steps to ensure their safety and protect their holiday packages. As online sales continue to grow, so do concerns about package theft, also known as “porch piracy.”

Nationally, online sales generate approximately $1.2 trillion annually, with last year alone seeing over $12 billion in stolen packages, affecting more than 50 million people. To help reduce the risk of theft, Dallas police are offering several safety tips for the holiday season:

Use Exterior Lighting: Illuminate dark areas around your home and consider installing home security systems to keep an eye on your property. Monitoring your deliveries can alert you when a package arrives, adding another layer of protection.
Don’t Let Packages Sit Unattended: If possible, schedule deliveries to a specific time, track your packages closely, or provide instructions to have the item placed out of sight. Requesting a signature upon delivery ensures packages aren’t left unattended.
Alternative Delivery Locations: If you’re worried about packages being stolen, consider having them delivered to a trusted neighbor, friend, or workplace. Some services also offer offsite locker pick-up options for added security.
Report Suspicious Activity: Be vigilant. If you notice suspicious behavior near your vehicle or home, notify the police immediately.

If your package is stolen, the Dallas Police Department advises the following steps to help resolve the issue:

Verify Delivery: Check your tracking information, ask neighbors if they received it, and review any security footage from your cameras.
Contact the Seller or Shipping Company: They may have procedures in place for lost or stolen packages.
File a Police Report: If you live in Dallas, you can report the theft online through the Dallas Online Reporting System or at a patrol station.

In Texas, the penalties for package theft can include several years in prison and fines up to $10,000. If you’re unable to get a refund or replacement, your insurance or credit card company may offer additional coverage for losses.

By following these simple steps, Dallas residents can help protect their deliveries and keep the holiday season safe.