MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the holiday season approaches, one thing is common in many Memphis neighborhoods: a porch with a package waiting to be taken.
Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner said residents should take extra precautions to prevent thefts.
“If you’re going to be ordering packages, try to schedule those deliveries during a time when you’ll be at home,” Buckner said.
For those unable to do so, Buckner suggests shipping packages to family members, friends, or even a workplace where someone will be there to accept the delivery.
He also encourages using designated shipping locations such as package lockers, which are available at various businesses across Memphis and Shelby County.
“There are several businesses that allow you to ship Amazon packages to a locker, where you can pick them up at your convenience,” Buckner said.
Amazon reports that more than 25,000 of these locations are available nationwide.
According to Memphis Police Department data, there were 675 reported porch thefts between January and October 2024, a 7.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. The number of incidents spiked in December 2023, underscoring the growing problem during the holiday shopping season.
While porch thefts remain a concern, cybersecurity is another critical issue.
Jonathan Parker of PCS Managed Services in Germantown warns that online criminals are also active, especially during Cyber Monday and the days that follow.
Parker advises consumers to only shop on verified websites and apps.
“Don’t click on unsolicited emails or text messages,” he said.
He also warned about misleading social media ads, which can lead to fraudulent purchases.
“Many platforms don’t vet advertisers, which allows scammers to target users with fake products,” Parker said.
When shopping online, experts recommend using credit cards instead of debit cards to better protect against fraud.
To further safeguard deliveries, Buckner suggests requesting a signature requirement for packages. This way, if you're not home, the package won’t be left unattended and vulnerable to theft.