More people are ordering packages and groceries online during the COVID-19 pandemic, but according to a recent survey, “porch pirates” are also waiting for those packages to arrive.
Almost one in five Americans have had a package stolen from their porch or doorstep, according to the recent “Porch Pirates in the Age of COVID-19” report by insurancequotes.com.
“Every time a package hits your doorstep, that’s an opportunity for someone with bad intention to come out and steal it,” said Michael Giusti, senior writer and analyst of the report.
The numbers, he said, should be a warning to those ordering more online these days.
“That shows that there’s a problem that needs to be addressed,” Giusti added.
Scott White, director of the cybersecurity program at George Washington University, said online shoppers need to have a plan.
Have a neighbor watch for a package if you’re not going to be home, he said, or see if your local police department will let you ship it to a station for safety, and have a camera in place if you don’t already.
