SPD share tips to avoid become victims of porch pirates

Sheridan Police Department Chief Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley share some tips to prevent becoming a victim of “porch pirates” this holiday season. 

Many people send packages to loved ones and shop online for gifts this time of year. 

An annual study by SafeWise estimated that in 2023, 120 million packages were stolen from porches in the United States, resulting in a loss of nearly $16 billion.

Captain Ringley said here in Sheridan, reports of the crime are low but that doesn’t mean residents shouldn’t be taking precautions.

Capt. T. Ringley

Many perpetrators of this crime seek targets of opportunity. A few precautions can keep residents from becoming victims. 

Require a signature. When your shopping cart is full and it’s time to choose your shipping details, take a moment to check “signature required.” A contact-free way to sign may be available through major package delivery services. You can request delivery confirmations, too.

Give specific delivery instructions. Many shippers will let you specify where to leave packages — maybe in your backyard, or even redirecting them to a trusted neighbor’s address, if you won’t be home.

Install motion activated lights.  Outdoor lights with a motion sensor might make your home a lot less attractive to would-be thieves, making them much more visible than they’d likely want to be.

Check with your preferred delivery service as to what precautions they recommend or steps they are willing to take to help keep deliveries safe. 

If you have anything stolen from your property, contact the SPD as soon as possible at 672-2413.