Rockland Post Desk
With holiday shopping in full swing and more residents relying on online orders, police across Rockland County are warning about a seasonal uptick in “porch pirates” — thieves who steal packages left outside homes.
Local departments say these thefts rise sharply in November and December as delivery trucks make more stops and porches fill with boxes. Police in Haverstraw recently arrested a man after a package theft turned into a larger investigation, and Stony Point officers released surveillance video showing a suspect taking parcels from a home and asked the public for help. Similar reports have surfaced in neighborhoods across the county.
Officers say most porch-pirate activity is quick and opportunistic. Thieves look for visible boxes and grab them within seconds. With families working late, attending school events, or shopping for the holidays, packages often sit unattended for hours.
“We see an increase every holiday season,” one Rockland officer said. “The more boxes left outside, the more tempting it becomes.”
How Residents Can Protect Themselves
Authorities are urging simple steps to keep gifts and deliveries safe:
Track packages closely and sign up for text or email delivery alerts.
Bring packages inside as soon as possible or ask a trusted neighbor to help if you’re not home.
Use secure pickup locations, lockboxes, or workplace delivery when available.
Consider installing a doorbell camera or basic home surveillance. Even a few seconds of video can help police identify suspects.
State agencies, including the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Consumer Protection, are also cautioning shoppers that package theft historically spikes during the holiday season, especially as more people shop online.
Community Awareness Matters
Many Rockland neighborhoods are taking a community approach, with residents texting each other when they spot deliveries sitting out too long. Police say this kind of cooperation is one of the strongest deterrents.
For high-value items like electronics, officers recommend using pickup locations instead of home delivery.
As investigations continue into recent incidents, police are asking residents to report suspicious vehicles, unusual behavior, or any home-camera recordings that may help in identifying suspects.
HELPFUL CONTACTS FOR ROCKLAND COUNTY RESIDENTS
To report package theft or suspicious activity:
Rockland County Sheriff’s Office – (845) 638-5400
Your Local Police Department (Haverstraw, Stony Point, Orangetown, Clarkstown, Ramapo)
Emergency: 911
For consumer assistance or fraud concerns:
New York State Attorney General Consumer Hotline – 1-800-771-7755
NYS Division of Consumer Protection: dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection
A Final Holiday Reminder
Take a few precautions, look out for your neighbors, and be careful and enjoy your holidays.