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Police setting traps for porch pirates, using bait packages with tracking devices

Companies like Amazon are cooperating, donating boxes and packing tape.
Credit: Justin Sullivan
Porch pirates are watching for packages to be left on doorsteps, but law enforcement is fighting back.

It's prime time for porch pirates, and law enforcement is pulling out the stops to crack down on the package thieves.

Police departments in Sacramento are setting up bait packages to nab the bandits, CBS reports.

The packages contain a donated item, like a laptop or a tablet computer, along with a tracking device. Companies like Amazon are cooperating, donating boxes and packing tape.

RELATED: Clumsy porch pirate trips over big-screen TV

Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to porch piracy:

  • If possible, pick up the ordered item at the store
  • Ship the item to your workplace
  • Have a neighbor keep an eye out for the item if you know you won’t be home during the delivery window
  • Have the item sent to a friend or family member who is home during normal delivery hours
  • If possible, ship the item to an Amazon Locker, UPS Office, FedEx Office or the nearest post office
  • Require a signature at the time of delivery

For more, read the CBS Sacramento story.

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