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New York AG warns of rising holiday package thefts

A dirty, unkempt privateer sitting on a front porch. His eyes are looking up and to the left. His left hand is on his chin. His left elbow is on his left knee as he sits on a step. Packages surround the ratty man. The porch is decorated with lights, wreaths, and garland. The privateer looks smug, suspicious, mischievous, smirking.
Kat Kollins with Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT
Holiday package deliveries face modern-day 'porch pirates,' reminiscent of the East India Trading Company's battles with privateers in Nassau.

The New York Attorney General’s office says mail and package theft is increasing this holiday season.

AG Letitia James says people should pick up mail promptly, especially if you are expecting checks or credit cards. She suggests asking a neighbor or friend for help.

James says signing up for tracking alerts will let you know when packages will arrive. If you can’t be home, have it delivered to a secure location like a USPS hold mail service.

A video surveillance system can sometimes assist in catching the criminals. She adds that if you believe something was stolen contact police immediately.

Bob Beck, a veteran media professional, currently serves as a part-time editor/host at WAER Public Radio and an adjunct professor at Syracuse University. Beck retired as News Director at Wyoming Public Radio in 2022 after 34 years. During his time, Beck won 5 regional Edward R. Murrow awards and 5 Public Media Journalists Association awards for reporting. He also won 11 PMJA awards for the news and public affairs program Open Spaces. He was awarded the Wyoming School Bell award for education reporting and was part of two Emmy Award winning television productions. You can find him on X under the name @butterbob.