“Porch pirates” don’t have to sail the seven seas to wreak havoc on your holidays. All they have to do is stop their vehicle, walk up to your front door and walk off with your packages.
Both Emporia Police and the US Postal Service are urging you to be mindful of the theft risk this holiday season, especially with several reports of porch pirating over the last few days. Police Sgt. Lisa Sage says it’s best not to have packages delivered to your home if you can’t be there to receive them. Instead, she suggests having them delivered at your workplace — if your boss is on board.
Postmaster Harry Gifford:
Gifford says the current procedure is to ring the doorbell and, if nobody answers, leave packages at the front door so people don’t have to come to the post office to claim their goods.
If you happen to be home and a porch pirate is lurking, Sage says it’s best to call 9-1-1 and not to confront the potential thief. Something as simple as turning on a porch light or Christmas tree can also be a deterrent.
