Holiday Porch Pirates

With the holiday season nearing, experts say that this is the time when vehicle and home burglary increase by nearly 20%. Here are some tips that may help you and your family become less of a target.

For some, the holiday season is less about gathering with families and more about the take. People call them “Porch Pirates.” A porch pirate is a person who steals newly delivered packages from another person’s porch to either give to their family or resell.

Residents in Meridian had some ideas of what could help in preventing holiday robberies.

“I suggest the ring doorbell and you can watch from home, or away. It’s really good”, Meridian resident stated.

Local Eric Ross believes that the neighborhood watch could be a key element in decreasing robberies.

“Alarms”, said Ross. “Ask your neighbor to keep an eye on your home when you are away.”

Experts also say ways of becoming less of target is by breaking down your boxes rather than just placing them outside on the curb or simply just having someone at home when there is an expected delivery.

“I think it’s an option when your ordering packages to go ahead let them know where to place those packages.”, said Meridian resident, Stephen Thomas. “Maybe if you have a secret area on your porch or a side room where they can be concealed that would help. Also not leaving things out in your vehicle, new purchases, keep those in your trunk”

The holiday season is near. To get more tips on how to prevent holiday robberies, you can www.nnw.org