It’s a scene that’s become all too familiar in neighborhoods across the country: a delivery van rolls up, a package is dropped at the door, and, before the homeowner can even blink, a so-called “porch pirate” makes off with someone’s hard-earned purchase. The rise of e-commerce has brought convenience to millions, but it’s also opened the door—quite literally—for an uptick in package thefts, leaving law enforcement agencies and residents grappling with how to keep their deliveries safe.
On the morning of December 4, 2025, in the quiet community of Davie County, North Carolina, this growing problem took center stage. According to reporting from local outlets, the Davie County Sheriff's Office responded to a call about a suspicious person in the Sheffield Road area. A concerned witness had spotted a silver Honda Odyssey van with a damaged fender, suspecting its occupants were involved in package theft. Deputies quickly tracked the van down on Liberty Church Road, where they observed it crossing the center line—giving them cause to initiate a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as Alvin Lee Holland, 41, of Lexington, and his passenger, Janie Marie Shore, 48, of Mocksville, were both found to be without valid driver’s licenses, authorities said. Holland, attempting to explain his presence, claimed he worked for Ontrac, a Charlotte-based delivery company. But deputies quickly noticed opened packages inside the vehicle, raising further suspicion. A search of the van and its occupants revealed methamphetamine on Holland, while Shore was found without drugs. The discoveries didn’t end there: trash bags filled with new items, a loaded pistol, and an open Bud Light container were also found in the vehicle. Both Holland and Shore, who are convicted felons, were taken into custody.
The charges were swift and serious. Holland faces counts including driving while license revoked, possession of methamphetamine, and firearm by felon. He was assigned a $7,500 bond, with a court date set for February 19, 2026. Shore, meanwhile, was charged with open container and firearm by felon, held on a $10,000 bond and a court appearance scheduled for January 8, 2026. The sheriff’s office is now working to identify and return the stolen packages—most of which belong to Davie County residents—while the investigation continues. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Davie County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigation Division.
But this wasn’t an isolated incident. Just a few days prior, in Loganville, Georgia, Walton County deputies arrested Lea Hall, 41, after catching her with several stolen packages near Ridge Road. As reported by WSB-TV, Hall’s arrest is part of a troubling national trend. Package theft, or “porch piracy,” has become a significant concern across the United States, especially as online shopping and home deliveries have surged.
According to the LA Post, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has been tracking this issue closely. Between 2018 and 2023, postal inspectors arrested nearly 9,000 suspects in connection with mail and package theft crimes. With the USPS handling billions of mail items annually, the sheer scale of the problem is daunting—particularly in densely populated cities like Los Angeles and New York City, where the volume of deliveries creates more opportunities for thieves.
So, what can residents do to protect themselves from becoming the next victim? The Associated Press suggests that vigilance and creative preventive measures are key. Installing home security systems—especially doorbell cameras—can serve as both a deterrent and a source of evidence if a theft occurs. Regularly monitoring delivery updates and promptly retrieving packages can also help minimize risk. For those who aren’t home during delivery windows, options like lockable parcel boxes or requesting delivery to alternative secure locations—a workplace, a neighbor’s house, or an Amazon Hub locker—can make a world of difference.
There’s also the option to require a signature for delivery, ensuring that packages aren’t left unattended. Services like USPS Hold for Pickup or arranging deliveries for times when someone is home are practical steps, too. And while technology helps, old-fashioned community spirit still plays a vital role. Neighborhood watch initiatives and shared surveillance efforts can help keep an eye out for suspicious activity, increasing the odds that porch pirates are caught in the act—or think twice before striking in the first place.
But what if, despite all precautions, a package goes missing? The experts recommend a methodical approach. First, check your surroundings thoroughly to see if the package was delivered to a hidden or alternative location. Next, contact the delivery company immediately, providing tracking information and any relevant details. Many companies—Amazon, FedEx, and USPS among them—have policies or programs that may refund or replace stolen packages if the theft is verified. It’s also important to file a police report, even if the chances of immediate recovery seem slim. As the Associated Press notes, reporting thefts helps law enforcement track patterns and allocate resources more effectively. If the stolen package was insured, contacting the insurer to initiate a claim is another crucial step.
These recent arrests in North Carolina and Georgia underscore the reality that law enforcement is taking package theft seriously. But the numbers suggest the problem is far from solved. With nearly 9,000 arrests by postal inspectors in just five years, and countless more cases likely going unreported, it’s clear that porch piracy isn’t going away anytime soon. The convenience of online shopping is here to stay, and with it comes the ongoing challenge of protecting those precious deliveries.
Still, there’s reason for hope. As communities band together, invest in security measures, and stay vigilant, the odds tip back in favor of the rightful owners. Law enforcement agencies are adapting, too, using technology and community tips to track down suspects and recover stolen goods. And while the frustration of a missing package can’t always be avoided, the collective response—from law enforcement to neighbors looking out for one another—makes it just a bit harder for porch pirates to succeed.
For now, Davie County deputies continue their investigation, working to return stolen packages to their owners and reminding the public that vigilance and community action remain their best defense. In a world where a package on the porch is as common as a mailbox at the curb, that’s advice worth heeding.
