An Alabama lawmaker is planning legislation targeting “porch pirates” with a specific criminal definition for the theft of packages.
“During this Christmas and holiday season, most Alabamians are having gifts or purchases from online retailers delivered to their homes, but that also means the thieves who steal packages from porches and doorsteps are especially active, as well,” Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, said. “Alabama needs an anti-theft law with penalties strong enough to convince porch pirates that stealing a delivery is not worth the price they will have to pay behind bars.”
Property theft is already a crime and Weaver’s proposal would specify that someone commits it when he or she “knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over any item mailed or shipped to another person, with intent to deprive the intended recipient of his or her property.”
Under current law, theft of property with a value of up to $500 results in a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.
Stealing property worth more than $500 is a felony offense. On the higher end, packages worth more than $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 in prison.
At least a dozen states have created laws targeting package stealers in recent years.
“The Grinch may steal Christmas in Whoville, but if this bill and its prison penalties are passed by the Legislature, he won’t do it in Alabama,” Weaver said.
The legislative session starts Feb. 6.