Protecting Yourself Against Porch Pirates

Porch piracy, the act of stealing delivered packages from porches or other areas on private property, has been a growing concern throughout the country, especially during the holiday season.

The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) encourages residents to remain vigilant against porch pirates using the following tips:

• Have packages delivered to your work.
• Have packages delivered to a trusted relative or friend who will be home to receive the delivery.
• Arrange to pick up packages from the post office.
• Arrange to pick up packages from a store or secure locker.
• Request signature confirmation for packages.
• Ask carriers to place packages out of view.
• Pay attention to and report suspicious activity to WPD's non-emergency line at 614-882-7444.

For additional information about porch piracy and how to protect yourself, view a report and listen to a podcast from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.