Northwest Iowa — Thousands of Christmas presents are being left by mail carriers and delivery services outside homes across northwest Iowa and police warn that “porch pirates” are watching and waiting to steal those packages.
US Postal Inspector Dave Margritz says you shouldn’t leave packages sitting outside for too long.
Margritz suggests you leave a small note on your door, directing the carrier to leave the package out of sight or with a neighbor.
Wayne Barahona of SuperHiTech in Sheldon, Orange City, and Sioux Center says some people have invested in small home security cameras.
He says even if porch pirates do strike, a system like this can be a big help in the investigation of package thefts.
Many of the delivery services like UPS, FedEx, and the postal service also can now alert you when a package is dropped off. Check with them for more information on that service.
