SAN ANTONIO: Many of you will kick off your holiday shopping this week, but heads-up porch pirates are also eagerly awaiting this time of year to steal your holiday cheer.
Porch pirates, they’re something everyone despises. Unfortunately, their numbers have increased dramatically over the last decade.
“Now that could be because the crime is increasing, or it could be that that’s where all the packages and presents and gifts and everything are,” said Kirk Evans.
Kirk Evans, President of U.S. Law Shield says they have seen at least a 600% increase in porch pirates year after year, and it’s happening mostly in rural areas.
“They’re anticipating about a 33% increase just from 2023,” said Evans.
According to security.org, online purchases generate nearly 22 billion packages a year.
“There’s probably a little bit of both sides, the increase in the packages. But maybe, you know, folks, particularly in the jurisdictions where they do not prosecute minor property crimes, it’s sort of easy pickings in some areas of the country,” he said.
Porch pirates stole $12 billion in packages in the past year and these thieves are becoming more slick.
“There’s the disguise so that no one can tell who you are, so you don’t get caught. But there’s also the disguise. And some of the time, it says delivery drivers, the disguise is so you don’t call the police when you see them on your ring camera,” he said.
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales’ office released a statement saying these cases often rely on video evidence from home doorbell cameras and encourages residents to share such footage with law enforcement, adding prevention is essential and urges residents to schedule deliveries when someone is home, use secure drop-off locations, install surveillance cameras, and request signature confirmation.
Evans tells us he also warns people not to use deadly force when encountering a thief.
“Deadly force in Texas is not permissible to stop a mere theft alone. So, we get the question all the time. You know, can I use a firearm to stop a porch pirate? And under most circumstances, that is not a good idea,” he added.
The District Attorney’s office says they take these crimes very seriously, especially with repeat offenders.