Protect your treasures during the holiday season!

Porch Pirates are watching! According to the Urban Dictionary, the definition of a Porch Pirate is a person who steals packages off unsuspecting customers’ porches or front door areas. You may have seen in the news recently as it is becoming a prevalent problem.

Over 25 million Americans have been the victims of a holiday package robbery, an increase from 23.5 million porch thefts reported in 2015, according to a new report from Insurance Quotes.

Porch Pirates take advantage of the holidays knowing that consumers do a lot of online shopping. They can case a neighborhood and gain access to many packages this time of year. “Our officers are keenly aware that this is an issue this time of year, so they are vigilant while on patrol,” Orlando Police spokeswoman Michelle Guido told Orlando Sentinel, “Mostly we ask everyone to be vigilant in their neighborhoods and report any suspicious activity.”

Here are some tips for reducing the risk of being a victim of these land pirates:

1)Have your package delivered to your work or neighbor. If you have someone in your neighborhood who is typically home, have it delivered to their address.
2)Track your packages and know when they should be arriving. Some services will even send you a text when they arrive.
3)Utilize the USPS informed delivery service which allows you to redirect packages if necessary
4)Schedule items to arrive when will be home if possible. If you will be out of town when the package is due to arrive, have your mail stopped.
5)Utilize Amazon Locker service – a code is given to you for you to pick up the secured package when you are available.
6)Install security cameras. Having cameras alone can help deter thefts.

If you have an item stolen from your front porch, report to your local police as well as the deliverer (USPS, FedEx, or USPS, etc.). They will all have a procedure to report a stolen package.
A few preventive measures can ensure your Christmas gifts are for those you intend them to be.

How can 33rd Street Bail Bonds help you?

If you are arrested and in need of a bail bondsman, call 33rd Street Bail Bonds at 407-425-7200. Our bail bondsmen are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round. Need bail now, we can help you with the bail bond process. Our knowledgeable and experienced bail bondsmen will answer any questions you may have and provide an empathetic ear. We are the oldest bail bond company in Florida helping clients since 1971. We have helped clients all over Central Florida including Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties. Please give us a call at 407-425-7200 or 407-425-3303 to start the bail bond process. We are here to help bail from jail!