According to Security.org, an organization that reviews and researches home security products, porch pirates were responsible for at least one stolen package for 49 million Americans as of Nov. 30, with a median value of stolen merchandise of $50 and a total of $2.4 billion in stolen goods. In Massachusetts, the median value of stolen packages was at $40 on a year-over-year basis. Worcester Police Department reported 46 reports of stolen packages since Nov. 1, with 19 of those in November and 27 in December. Central Worcester seems to have been hit the worst, with the majority of thefts reported along Main Street and heavily on Belmont Hill. Tuesdays and Thursdays were the hottest day for package thefts, with 10 reported for each day, whereas Wednesdays follow with eight.
To prevent further thefts, Security.org suggests to drop off packages in an area that has minimal public access and is not visible from the street, and to install security cameras, including doorbell cams, to help identify the perpetrators after the fact.