From porch pirates to Priority Mail: How to avoid Holiday mail theft

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - The holiday shipping rush has officially arrived, bringing with it an increase in package theft from front porches and mailboxes across the state.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service spokesperson Breslin Steverson says mail theft reports always ramp up during the holiday season compared to other times of the year.

“On average per month, we see about between 5 to 10 reports of mail theft in our area,” Steverson says, “But during the holiday season, that may double.”

How package thieves operate

Steverson says porch pirates often follow delivery trucks to identify targets and snatch packages shortly after they arrive at people’s doorsteps.

“They will just follow the mail lady, the UPS truck, the FedEx truck, and try to steal everything they can,” she says.

Some crim