How to protect your packages from porch pirates this holiday season

JACKSON, Tenn. — Holiday packages are hitting doorsteps and so are porch pirates. We have some information on how you can best protect your delivery.

As packages stack up for the holidays, so do opportunists ready to swipe them. The holiday season is a peak time of year for porch pirates.

“They’re really out hunting around and seeing whose not at home or not much activity, movement around the house. People really pay attention to things like that,” said Sgt. Cozart with the Jackson Police Department.

Homeowners are getting creative, some even booby-trapping thieves from stealing their deliveries.

While supporters online encourage the tactic, law experts with the New Jersey Law Journal say homeowners could be liable for injuries or worse. Authorities urge the community against booby traps.

“I would rather the community and the citizens of Jackson to, you know, if something were to happen, to please allow us to do our job as the Jackson Police Department to, you know, go the investigative route,” said Sgt. Cozart.

Sgt. Cozart encourages residents to be aware of their surroundings and look out for unknown vehicles lingering in your neighborhood.

“It would be in your best interest to, you know, try to have those packages delivered either when someone’s home or at a totally different location,” said Sgt. Cozart.

The Jackson Police Department is continuing their holiday detail through the rest of December in the columns area.

“We will have a little bit more heavier police officer’s presence for the citizens of Jackson,” said Sgt. Cozart.

Authorities say the best defense is making sure your packages are not left out long enough to become a target. And if you do catch a porch pirate, call 9-1-1 and let the officers handle it.

To report any suspicious activity, call Jackson Police at 731-425-840.

For more local crime coverage, click here.