State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) has re-filed legislation taking on "porch pirates" in the next legislative session by making stealing packages or other items from someone else's porch a felony.
Porch piracy refers to stealing packages delivered to a home. It has been estimated to cost consumers $6 billion a year, a number that continues to grow due to the expansion of e-commerce following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Forbes, Alabama is the 14th-worst state in the union for porch piracy. In an analysis by Safewise, Birmingham and Hoover were the fourth-worst metro cities in the United States for porch piracy.
Weaver’s bill would make porch piracy a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
“Video doorbells and other affordable home security devices have helped fight crime, but a simple Google news or YouTube search of the term ‘porch pirates’ reveals thefts at Christmas remain a serious, ongoing, and growing problem,” Weaver said. “The Grinches among us are still trying to steal Christmas, but perhaps a 20-year prison sentence in Alabama will give their hearts plenty of time to grow three sizes.”
If Weaver’s bill is enacted, Alabama would become the 12th state in the nation to approve a legislative measure specifically targeting porch piracy.
The legislation specifically adds “any item mailed or shipped to another person” to those that fall under Alabama’s existing theft of property statute and sets out a specific range of penalties based on the value of the stolen packages.
Theft of packages with a value exceeding $2,500 would result in a charge of Theft of Property in the First Degree, a Class B felony punishable by two to 20 years of incarceration.
Packages between $1,500 and $2,500 would result in a charge of Theft of Property Second Degree, which is a Class C felony punishable by one to 10 years. Packages between $500 and $1,499 would be a Class D felony, carrying one to five years’ incarceration. Anything valued under $500 would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of imprisonment.
States already taking action against porch piracy include Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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