As the holiday shopping season swings into high gear, communities across the United States are bracing for a surge in package deliveries—and, unfortunately, a spike in so-called "porch piracy." With Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals flooding doorsteps, law enforcement officials from Oregon to Maryland are issuing urgent warnings and practical tips to help residents keep their purchases safe from would-be thieves.
In McMinnville, Oregon, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office has reported a notable uptick in shipping activity during the week of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. According to the Sheriff’s Office, this increase is expected to continue through the weekend and into the following week, as residents receive an avalanche of online orders. The agency isn’t just sounding the alarm—they’re arming the public with a toolkit of safety recommendations designed to outsmart porch pirates and ensure that hard-earned purchases actually reach their rightful owners.
“We’re already seeing increased shipping activity,” said a spokesperson for the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, as reported by local news outlets. “Porch thefts are expected to rise as more residents receive orders through the weekend and into next week.” The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to closely track their shipments using carrier-provided tracking numbers, and to enable text or email updates for precise delivery windows. The logic is simple: the less time a package sits unattended, the less opportunity there is for theft.
In addition to tracking, deputies urge residents to make arrangements for someone to pick up deliveries if they’re planning to be away. Clear delivery instructions can also make a world of difference, especially for homes with tricky entryways or hidden porches. And for those splurging on high-value items, requiring a signature upon delivery can offer an extra layer of protection.
But what if you’re not home, and can’t call in a favor from a neighbor? The Sheriff’s Office recommends creating secure drop-off locations—think lockable delivery boxes or using a nearby pickup locker, options now offered by many retailers and shipping companies. “Security cameras, motion-activated lighting, and camera-enabled doorbells can help deter would-be thieves and assist law enforcement if a theft occurs,” officials added. The message is clear: a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your holiday spirit intact.
Meanwhile, on the opposite coast in Salisbury, Maryland, police are echoing similar concerns. Salisbury Police Department Chief David Meienschein spoke candidly about the seasonal uptick in package thefts, noting that “anytime you get around the holidays, folks know, or individuals who would commit these types of crimes, know that there are more and more packages getting delivered as we approach Christmas.” According to Chief Meienschein, porch pirates often swoop in just before the rightful owner arrives home, sometimes leaving victims unaware for a day or two that their package has vanished.
Although he emphasized that porch piracy isn’t a huge problem in Salisbury—at least not yet—Meienschein encouraged residents to stay vigilant. “We certainly encourage anyone who has a Ring camera and any camera footage, if they’re a victim of anything getting stolen off of that in front of their house, it’s been delivered. Please call us right away so we can get ahead of it.” The call to action is unmistakable: quick reporting helps police respond more effectively and may even increase the odds of recovering stolen goods.
Chief Meienschein also offered practical advice for those venturing out for Black Friday deals. “Don’t try to leave any packages out in the open. Try to make sure they’re in the trunk of the car or in someplace where they’re not readily available to make it more of a target,” he said. Parking in well-lit areas is another key strategy, and Meienschein noted that the city would be increasing patrols throughout the busy shopping week.
These warnings come as millions of Americans shift more of their holiday shopping online, a trend that’s only accelerated in recent years. With the convenience of doorstep delivery comes the risk of packages being snatched before they ever make it inside. Law enforcement agencies across the country are adapting, deploying extra patrols and leveraging technology to keep up with the evolving tactics of porch pirates.
According to both the Yamhill County and Salisbury police departments, technology is increasingly becoming a homeowner’s best friend in the fight against theft. Security cameras and smart doorbells not only deter criminals but also provide crucial evidence if a theft does occur. In many cases, footage from these devices has helped police identify suspects and recover stolen packages, restoring a bit of holiday cheer to those affected.
But technology isn’t a silver bullet. Both agencies emphasize the importance of community awareness and proactive planning. For example, arranging for a neighbor or friend to pick up packages, using secure pickup lockers, and providing detailed delivery instructions can all reduce the window of opportunity for thieves. And for those who travel during the holidays, pausing deliveries or redirecting them to a trusted address is a smart move.
If the worst does happen and a package is stolen, officials urge residents not to hesitate in reporting the incident. In Yamhill County, the Sheriff’s Office recommends calling their non-emergency dispatch at 503-434-6500 or, for Newberg residents, at 503-538-8321. In Salisbury, residents are asked to provide any available security footage and to contact police promptly. Quick action not only helps law enforcement track down suspects but also contributes to broader efforts to combat porch piracy in the community.
While the scale of the problem varies from place to place—Chief Meienschein noted it’s not a major issue in Salisbury, while Yamhill County expects a rise in thefts—the underlying message is the same: vigilance and preparation are key. As the holiday season ramps up, so too does the risk of falling victim to porch pirates. But with a few common-sense precautions and a little help from neighbors, technology, and law enforcement, residents can stack the odds in their favor.
For now, as packages pile up on porches from coast to coast, officials hope their warnings and advice will help keep the holidays merry—and the gifts exactly where they belong.
