Thieves seem to be getting more sophisticated as they try to steal items left unattended on porches online shopping pick up for the holidays. These porch pirates appear to collect tracking information that allows them to time the theft to shortly after an item is delivered.
This issue appears to have particularly affected people who ordered iPhones from AT&T, with the majority of thefts occurring in states in the eastern part of the country, according to a report in CNET. This suggests the possibility that someone with access to delivery information is selling that data to thieves. However, no definitive source has yet been found.
The problem is made worse by the fact that AT&T does not require a signature for packages containing iPhones. With most delivery drivers being incredibly busy this time of year, it’s inevitable that packages will be left in plain sight on a porch. This creates the perfect opportunity for thieves to strike and steal the item before the homeowner can pick it up.
Anyone shopping online this year would do well to take some simple steps to avoid this. One option is to have a delivery with a more expensive item delivered to a friend or family member who can then receive the package. Another option is to have a package delivered to a workplace. Finally, it can also help to keep an eye on incoming packages and immediately check the door after delivery has taken place.
Hopefully law enforcement and online retailers can get to the bottom of this this situation sooner rather than later. In the meantime, choosing to pick up an online order from a retailer’s physical store may be the best option to avoid these headaches.