Police Will Use Bait Packages With GPS To Track 'Porch Pirates'

YONKERS, NY — The Yonkers Police Department said that it has some unwelcome holiday surprises in store for would-be package thieves this season.

As the holidays approach and more people are ordering goods online, delivery companies are consequently leaving more packages in front of doors, mailboxes and in lobbies. The holiday season creates a new opportunities for thieves, but police in Yonkers have unveiled a new weapon to fight back.

Police officials announced they will be deploying bait packages throughout the city. The GPS-tracked packages are intended both to help nab package thieves and to make potential porch pirates think twice about stealing presents on the front stoop.

Police are also warning about a scam where identity thieves will order items and have them shipped to unaware third parties and use their front door as a drop location. If you receive a package you did not order, please call the shipping company ASAP and report the incident, police officials urge.

Yonkers Police issued a few rules of thumb to help keep porch pirates at bay this holiday season:

• Have packages delivered to where you are, not to where you aren’t. Consider having packages delivered to your office or place of employment instead of your home.
• Use tracking numbers and delivery notifications. Most major shipping companies offer this free service, and can send you a text, email, or push notification when your package arrives.
• Ask family members, trusted neighbors, and friends to accept deliveries on your behalf or to pick-up your packages.
• Request packages to be placed in a less conspicuous spot, such as a side door or behind a planter or garbage can.
• Many shipping companies now allow you to request a delivery time or time frame – schedule packages for when someone is home.
• Install a smart security camera at your front door.
• Request signature on delivery if possible.
• Some companies and shippers offer locker service or allow for packages to be held at the delivery distribution center for pick-up.
• Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior in your neighborhood and report suspicious activity to the Yonkers Police Department at (914) 377-7900; emergencies dial 9-1-1.