Cyber Monday Brings Concerns For Porch Pirates

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Each year there are 22 billion purchases made online sent to homes or businesses. In the last year, porch pirates have stolen $12 billion in packages.

“It is a common call that officers do take this time of the year. Those types of calls can increase,” said Travis Moser, Lieutenant of the Fargo Police Department.

North Dakota ranks near the top for people experiencing porch piracy. One out of every four people in North Dakota lose at least one package to theft per year.

“We always tell people to report right away because obviously the more timeliness that we have in investigating these things, the more crime prevention steps we can do, right? So if you report it right away and you can get us a video, a picture, a description we’re able to talk to neighbors we might be able to get that out to the public,” said Moser.

With mailing at its peak for the season, companies like UPS and Amazon want customers to be prepared for when their packages are delivered.

“Through the Amazon app or through Amazon.com you can literally track your package as it’s being delivered. You can ahead of time set a pick up area. If there’s a specific part of your home or your apartment building where you know, I’d like to have a package dropped off here because it’s out of sight. You can even share the status of your package delivery with a loved one,” said Kara Hille, Amazon Spokesperson.

UPS Customers are encouraged to use the UPS My Choice to direct drivers where they would like to place their packages as well.