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While the gift-giving season may have ended, police records show that package theft is a year-round concern.
With a growing population and the rise of online shopping, “porch pirates” have become more prevalent, according to Elgin Police Department Commander Aaron Crim. These crimes of opportunity target unattended packages left on doorsteps.
“The number seems to go up every year. The more porches, the more packages,” Crim said.
Over the past two years, the Elgin Police Department recorded nearly 500 theft cases, about 3% of which were reported as package thefts. Despite common assumptions, most of these thefts don’t occur in December, according to Crim.
“Citizens get more vigilant around the holidays. They don’t want to lose their gifts, and they know people are going to be out looking,” he added. “But then, the rest of the year, they kind of relax.”
Residents also tend to be home more during the holiday months, keeping an eye out for their goods, Crim said.
Residential developments and apartment complexes are among the most targeted areas, according to the department. To avoid theft, EPD recommends locking up, tracking deliveries, installing visible security cameras, requesting packages be hidden and limiting what is posted to social media.
