Police launch crackdown on ‘porch pirates’ in major US city, use cutting-edge technology to catch shameless thieves in action

Police in Washington DC are cracking down on notorious criminals who steal deliveries from unsuspecting homeowners.

Law enforcement teams are even using technology like tracking devices in an attempt to catch suspects.

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Cops have turned to technology because they admit they can’t have officers patrolling the beat in hopes of catching the so-called porch pirate.

In February, police revealed that a man tried to steal a package covered in Amazon labels.

But it was part of a broader strategy, as the box had been placed on the balcony as a bait tactic, designed to tempt the criminal, for example. The Washington Post.

Police managed to capture the suspect as well as inside there were location trackers.

Police said the suspect was a serial offender.

Prosecutors warned he could face up to a year in prison because of his previous charges and convictions.

Police asked homeowners to install doorbell cameras.

They said the images could help officers charge a suspect with a robbery crime.

Research compiled by Capital One revealed that porch piracy caused more than $29 billion in losses during 2021, as reported by Fortune.

The data revealed that more than one in 10 Americans were affected.

Homeowners spoke about how porch piracy has affected them.

Residents of a Springfield, Missouri neighborhood were left in despair after packages were stolen just hours before Christmas, according to the NBC affiliate KYTV-TV.

“The individual parked the car, walked up to my porch and acted as if he was going to knock on the door,” Already are Gaynor told the network.

“Then he stole the packages and ran to the car.”

Washington D.C. isn’t the only city or state cracking down on porch piracy.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that increases penalties.

If porch pirates steal items over $40, they could be charged with a third-degree felony.

First-time offenders who steal property for less than $40 will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor offense.

A repeat offense would result in a third-degree felony.

“Florida is taking another step toward differentiating ourselves from lawless jurisdictions and keeping our residents and businesses safe,” DeSantis said in a statement. declaration earlier this month.

“If you steal in Florida, we will catch you and prosecute you.”

Republican Bob Rommel, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, said the action will hold criminals accountable.

The law will come into force on October 1st.

Big brands like FedEx and Amazon have measures in place to protect owners.

FedEx customers may delay deliveries if they know they won’t arrive.

Amazon shoppers can pick up their packages at locations, just like Walmart customers.

Amazon Prime subscribers can instruct delivery drivers to place their packages in safe locations.