Crime & Safety

Season For Porch Pirates: Princeton PD Shares Tips To Keep Them At Bay

Princeton Police's latest blotter had two reports of package theft. Here's how to prevent them this season:

PRINCETON, NJ – 'Tis the season for Holiday shopping and all those boxes will be showing up at front doors over the next few weeks. They also make an attractive target for porch pirates.

Princeton Police’s latest police blotter had two reports of package theft in the Municipality. More: Package Theft, Residential Burglary: Princeton Police Blotter

Porch pirate activity has increased since the pandemic and 49 million Americans have had at least one package stolen in the past 12 months, according to a 2022 study by security.org.

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To protect your property from theft, Princeton Police Department has shared some helpful tips:

  • Schedule packages to arrive when you’re home.
  • Have your packages delivered to a location where someone can receive them in person.
  • Use an Amazon Locker. To find a location near you visit https://amzn.to/2Txbw6b
  • Have your item shipped to the store.
  • Track deliveries online. Set up a text notification on your cell phone for when a package has been delivered.
  • Request a signature confirmation of delivery.
  • Provide delivery instructions. If packages will be left while you are not home, try to have them left out of sight from the street.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Find out what's happening in Princetonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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