Shreveport Residents Brace For Porch Pirate Season
It's that time of year again, holiday shopping season is ramping up. That means one thing for Shreveport and Bossier City homeowners: porch pirates.
With the holiday season right around the corner, delivery drivers are dropping off packages all over the Ark-La-Tex. Sadly, right behind them...could be the thieves looking to steal your holiday. These Grinches don't care that they don't know what's inside the boxes at your door, they're going to take them.
It’s officially porch pirate season. This is when brazen thieves walk right up to your doorstep in the middle of the day and take your stuff.
Just How Bad is Package Theft in the Ark-La-Tex?
You might not think it’s a big deal...until it’s your package that goes missing.
The national numbers are staggering. A recent report found that 44% of Americans have had a package stolen in just the last 12 months. Think about that...how many houses can you see from your front yard? Imagine that half of them have already had something stolen.
Louisiana law enforcement confirms that package thefts always spike during the holidays. Your gifts, sitting on your porch, are a prime target.
Louisiana's Porch Pirate Law is Ready for Round Two
Here's the good news for Shreveport and Bossier City residents. This is the second Christmas since Louisiana enacted a specific law targeting porch pirates.
The legislature passed this bill back in the 2024 session, and it says if someone is caught stealing a package from your property, they now face specific penalties. Even if the value is under $1,000, it's a misdemeanor that can land them up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
They aren't just getting a slap on the wrist anymore. Which is something that everyone agreed with...the bill passed in the Louisiana legislature with unanimous bipartisan support.
How to Keep Your Holiday Deliveries Safe
So what can you do?
Law enforcement agencies always say the same things (because they work). If you have a doorbell camera, use it and check it. If you know you won't be home, see if you can have packages delivered to your workplace, or to a friend or relative's house. Shreveport does have numerous stores that offer package pickup locations.
Use those tracking apps. The second you get that "Delivered" notification, get that box inside. Don't let your stuff sit out.