How common is package theft?

Tennessee, like most states, classify a theft offense by the value, including package theft at this time.  There is legislation in place that would make package theft more severe crime to include jail time instead of the misdemeanor or petty theft, the lowest level offense at this time.

What kind of crime is it to steal a package?

 Because package theft is a relatively “new” thing in the world of crime, what with online shopping at an all-time high, the package theft laws have not been revised for most states. As we mentioned above, in Tennessee, there is legislation in place that will make package theft a more serious crime. Those caught, arrested, found guilty of package theft, from mailboxes, porches, any residential drop off place, punishable by time behind bars. 

What happens if you get caught stealing packages?

 The punishment for a first-time package theft crime offense would be based on the value of the article stolen. The legislation presented in Tennesse has stipulated that any subsequent package theft offense to be classified as a Class D Felony which carries a punishment of twelve years incarcerated and a $5,000 fine. 

Is porch piracy a federal crime?

It is a video that we have seen more than one over the past few years. A person walks up to a porch, takes a package that a delivery service left behind, and then walk off with it. Package theft is a crime on the rise and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. In fact, with an increase in online shopping, we’ll probably see, and experience, more package theft. Criminals seem to get bolder and braver every passing day. 

While the local law enforcement across the country is cracking down on this activity, the penalties they face in most states is nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Why? Unless they are taking it out of the mailbox, it is not a federal crime at this time. So, front porch package theft isn’t going to be as seriously punished as if they were to take something out of your mailbox.

However, as porch package theft increases, the more states are considering making it a felony when caught. In Texas, that felony charge could land a person behind bars up to ten years. California, Michigan, New Jersey, and South Carolina are working through legislation along those same lines for package theft. 

What is the penalty for porch Pirates?

It happens to almost 40% of all Americans. Annually, tens of millions of residents have been the victim of package theft. The act where FedEx, UPS, or USPS leaves a package on a front porch and somebody comes along and takes it. With the Ring doorbell ap, we’re seeing more evidence of with a ‘live at five’ footage.  Yet, those thieves just keep up the package theft work like it’s another workday. 

Several states have taken matters into their own justice system and made it a felony, slammed stricter punishment to those caught in the act of package theft. Other states have legislation waiting to be vote on, like Tennessee.  What does the legislature in the Volunteer State have in mind for punishing those charged with package theft? 

• First Offense: No changes, the punishment would remain as it is now and charged as a misdemeanor based on the package value. 
• Second Offense: Package theft charge would be faced with a Class D Felony, punished with jail time as little as two years and as much as twelve years, in addition to a fine of $5,000.00.