MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) said Grinches are trying to steal Christmas.
That is, your front porch deliveries. Sen. Weaver said she is bringing a bill next year that would make porch pirating a felony in Alabama.
"They found that perfect gift that their child really wants," explained Weaver. "They've bought it. They know it's on the way. They've received the delivery confirmation. Then, on their Ring camera, they see somebody swipe it right off their front porch."
Sen. Weaver said some of her constituents have saved all year to buy gifts for their children. But then, a porch pirate comes and takes them. "When you get this close to Christmas, it just gets really hard to find that gift and reorder it again. So, not only is it an issue from a theft standpoint. It's an emotional issue here at Christmastime as well," said Weaver.
Sen. Weaver wants to make that theft a felony, punishable up to twenty years in prison. This is depending on the value of the package stolen.
Carl Bates, president of the Better Business Bureau of central and south Alabama, said you should always report theft to law enforcement.
"We've seen reports of some of these folks being as brazen as to steal an item from the porch before the delivery driver gets back in his truck to move on to the next delivery," said Bates.
So, how can you protect yourself against porch pirates? Bates suggests giving shipping instructions and have packages delivered to your back door, behind a shrub or to a neighbor's house.
He also said you can have them shipped to your workplace, or ask for a signature delivery.
"That's inconvenient in these days and times. But it does eliminate that because you sign for it, so you got the package and it won't be laying out in front of your door, as most shippers deliver today," Bates explained.
Sen. Weaver said she plans on pre-filing the bill for the next legislative session in the next few days. That session will begin on February 4th.
