State Sen. April Weaver, R-Briefield, will try again in 2025 to increase the penalties for “porch pirates” who swipe deliveries from doorsteps, making some cases felonies 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 in a written statement. “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.”
Weaver proposed a similar bill in the most recent legislative session, but it did not advance to a committee vote.
Property theft is already a crime and Weaver has proposed specifying that someone commits porch piracy 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.
On the highest end, Weaver’s legislation would put into state law that the theft of packages with a value exceeding $2,500 would be a Class B felony punishable by two to 20 years in prison.
About a dozen states, including most of Alabama’s neighbors, have laws targeting the theft of packages from homes.
Forbes reported earlier this year the average value of a stolen package is around $50. Forty percent of all packages stolen are valued between $50 to $100. And 67% of Americans falling victim. Some 22% have had more than one package stolen and 11% had three or more stolen.
Alabama Sen. April Weaver, R-Briefield, will try again in 2025 to increase the penalties for “porch pirates” who swipe deliveries from doorsteps, making some cases felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The legislative session begins Feb. 4.