Tech, alternative delivery help combat holiday ‘porch pirates’

The so-called “porch pirates” who steal packages from outside homes during the Christmas holiday season are out in force, but technology and alternative delivery options help to thwart thieves.

In Leesburg, a homeowner’s security-camera system busted the suspected thief. A man walked up to the home on Sunday and knocked on the door. He ended up stealing about $800 of merchandise from Amazon, including XBox games and mattresses, Leesburg police said.

The homeowner posted the man’s photo on Facebook, and someone identified him as Daniel Colin Kelley, 43, of Tavares. Police arrested Kelley on a grand-theft charge.

Firms also are getting smarter about how they deliver packages, including allowing customers to divert them to their workplace.

This year, Amazon launched an “Amazon Key” service that gives a temporary key or code for the delivery drivers so they can put the package inside the home. There’s also a “porch pirate bag,” which can be tethered to a door or fence.

Retailers also send text alerts to customers — something the Leesburg homeowner received — to let them know their packages arrived.

Jane Watrel, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff ’s Office, said porch pirates often are brazen.

“Many of these crimes occur during broad daylight,” she said. “Be alert about suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, especially if you see a delivery truck making the rounds and a vehicle following behind or unfamiliar subjects on foot following the truck route.”

Law-enforcement agencies are on the lookout.

“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 said. “Mostly we ask everyone to be vigilant in their neighborhoods and report any suspicious activity.”