Were you a victim of a porch pirate? These are 11 ways you can fight back in Texas
As the holiday season nears, so does a spike in package deliveries.
Delivery drivers are like Santa’s elves during November and December. It’s often a shame that their hard work goes to waste when your package gets stolen by a grumpy grinch.
However, since that package is your property, you can take legal action for it being stolen. You can also take preventive measures to make the parcels less vulnerable.
What Texas law says about stolen packages
Stolen packages fall under Texas Penal Code offenses against property and theft. Theft is described as “a person committing an offense if he unlawfully appropriates property with intent to deprive the owner of the property.”
According to the Texas criminal code, one can be charged with misdemeanors if:
10 addresses or fewer: Class A misdemeanor with a $4,000 fine and up to a year in jail.
10 to 30 addresses: state jail felony.
30 or more addresses: third-degree felony.
To report a stolen package, you must have evidence to prove it.
Proof will most likely come from a doorbell camera or outdoor security cameras. According to the home security company ADT, if the neighborhood surrounding you has experienced a lot of stolen packages, then the police are more likely to investigate.
However, sometimes filing a police report is just helpful evidence to have if you are making an insurance claim or if it happens to you again.
How to prevent your package from being stolen
There are ways to avoid receiving packages at your doorstep altogether and other tips for hiding them from thieves.
Deliver to a package locker or P.O. Box.
Sign up for pickup or delivery at UPS or USPS stores.
Install outdoor security cameras or doorbell cameras.
If possible, schedule delivery for a time when someone will be home (UPS, my choice, lets you schedule deliveries).
Choose to sign for a delivery.
Deliver packages to work or office.
If ordering from Amazon, order to an Amazon locker.
Purchase package insurance if that is an option.
Request package drops off in a fenced-in backyard or fence.
Ask neighbors to pick up your package off your porch for you.
Add lots of porch decorations with places for delivery drivers to hide your packages.
Ways you can resolve the loss of a stolen package
While filing a police report can help, it does not replace your money or the stolen property. You can be reimbursed by the company you bought from, your credit card account, or the delivery service.
ADT recommends the following options:
Contact the seller. They will usually work with you to find a replacement solution. It’s also always smart to make sure they have the right address.
If shipped by UPS, missing package claims can only be made 24 hours after claimed delivery. Still, contact the seller to make sure the refund is made back to you and not the seller.
If your package was shipped by FedEx, submit a lost or stolen package claim, and they will respond in five to seven business days.
USPS requires you to first fill out a help form and then, after seven days, fill out a missing package form with any evidence you have.
Amazon is great about refunding lost or stolen packages, you may just have to wait 36 hours to file missing packages under “contact the sender.”
If none of the above work, sometimes credit card companies may issue a refund anyway.