Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Public Safety»Porch pirates pose threat during holiday delivery season
    Public Safety

    Porch pirates pose threat during holiday delivery season

    Mike WilkinsonBy Mike WilkinsonDecember 5, 20243 Mins Read
    A package sits on a front stoop, a common target for so-called “porch pirates,” who often strike during the holiday season when deliveries increase. Adobe Stock Photo

    As the holiday season brings a surge in online shopping and package deliveries, it also attracts an unwelcome visitor: porch pirates. These thieves – who steal packages left outside homes – capitalize on the season’s heightened activity, turning festive cheer into frustration for unsuspecting residents.

    Porch pirates is the term used for individuals who deliberately steal packages delivered to homes by the post office or private carriers. These thefts commonly occur on porches, front steps, or even in open garages.

    Nationally, about 35% of homes have been victims of this type of theft. Eden Prairie has not been spared.

    “While we have data on ‘tamper with mail’ reports, there is no easy way to differentiate between mail that fits in a mailbox and packages that don’t,” said Joyce Lorenz, a spokesperson for the city.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    Capt. Chris Wood of the Eden Prairie Police Department said, “Mail and package thefts are crimes of opportunity that can often be deterred. We’re fortunate these thefts have been trending down over the past few years in Eden Prairie and attribute that to our residents being more mindful about prevention.”

    Eden Prairie police have tracked mail-related thefts under tamper with mail reports. The highest number of incidents was recorded in 2021, with 54 reported cases. So far, in 2024, there have been 18 reported thefts.

    Tips to prevent package theft

    With the holiday season underway, police encourage residents to take precautions to protect their deliveries. Lorenz outlined several tips to help prevent package thefts:

    • Make arrangements with a neighbor to receive your packages if you won’t be home, or ask delivery companies to leave items out of sight, such as at the back of the house.

    • If permitted by your employer, have packages delivered to your workplace.

    • Consider installing a security camera near your front door.

    • If mailing something important, select the “Hold for Pickup” option so the recipient can collect it at their local post office. Many private delivery companies offer similar services.

    The police department’s Dec. 4 blog post, titled “Grinches Among Us,” outlined additional steps residents can take to safeguard themselves and their property during the holidays. Shoppers in busy malls are advised to keep wallets and phones in front pockets or secure purses, and to store purchases out of sight, such as in a car trunk.

    For holiday travelers, the blog recommends using timers on lights, pausing mail and newspaper deliveries, and asking neighbors to shovel driveways or leave tire tracks in the snow to make it appear someone is home.

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleState economists project a modest budget surplus, but future deficits loom
    Next Article Experience powers strong start for Eden Prairie girls basketball

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025
    2 Mins Read

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025
    3 Mins Read

    Scheels wrongful death lawsuit moves toward 2026 jury trial

    May 19, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.