{"id":6399,"date":"2019-12-12T04:51:31","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T12:51:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liveviewgps.com\/blog\/?p=6399"},"modified":"2025-09-16T13:20:09","modified_gmt":"2025-09-16T20:20:09","slug":"agencies-gps-tracking-technology-catch-porch-pirates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.liveviewgps.com\/blog\/agencies-gps-tracking-technology-catch-porch-pirates\/","title":{"rendered":"Agencies Across the US Are Using GPS Tracking Technology to Catch Porch Pirates"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Porch pirates are out in force during all seasons. While the holidays present more tempting targets, there is no time of year that is safe from people out to steal packages left on porches across the country. Unfortunately, current arrest rates for these thefts are low. Even with the widespread use of surveillance cameras and Ring security monitors in place, less than 10 percent of reported thefts<\/a> ever result in arrests.<\/p>\n

Not Just a Big City Problem<\/strong><\/p>\n

You might be surprised to discover that rural states have the highest reported package theft instances with North Dakota leading the way. In fact, CNBC reports that North Dakota residents are 26 times more likely to have packages stolen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, thieves have discovered that fewer people are watching, or specifically looking out for package thieves, in small towns across the country or rural areas. That makes it easier for them to take the packages without being discovered.<\/p>\n

How Agencies are Responding<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the past, law enforcement has seemed powerless to effectively stop thieves in their tracks, though some law enforcement agencies are taking a novel approach to address the rising problem of porch pirates in their communities, including Greenville, North Carolina\u2019s police department is placing GPS trackers<\/a> in random packages in an attempt to catch thieves in the act. However, the department has announced that the true goal is deterrence.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re not interested in catching a lot of thieves in the act, but rather to discourage the thefts in the first place. Perhaps that is why they are being open about their efforts ahead of time rather than stating their intentions afterward.<\/p>\n

There are things the WBTW report suggests people do in order to reduce their risks of being targeted by package thieves, including:<\/p>\n