What to Do When a Kid Steals Packages from Your Porch: A Comprehensive Guide

Note: The humorous suggestion of setting up an automatic tranquilizer gun is not recommended or legal. It is wise to handle the situation with law enforcement and other safety measures.

Contact Law Enforcement to Report the Theft

When a child steals packages from your porch, it is crucial to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and accountability of the situation. The first and most important action is to contact law enforcement immediately. Sharing the video evidence with the police will be vital in their investigation. Do not delete the footage, as it is a critical piece of evidence for the authorities.

Invest in Additional Security Measures

Directly addressing the situation by purchasing a package delivery lock box is a practical solution to prevent future thefts. Opting for future deliveries to your office or a package delivery pickup center is another convenient option. Additionally, consider investing in a Ring doorbell camera to monitor your porch and ensure that you can take necessary actions in case of any police intervention.

Digital Reporting and Social Media

If the thief is a neighbor's child, your next step might be to post the video on social media. This approach carries a chance of identifying the child and bringing the incident to the attention of their parents. If you gain the identity of the child, speaking to their parents about the situation and seeking to discipline the child could lead to the return of your belongings or compensation for the stolen items.

For those who are on social media, posting the video directly on your profile or on relevant groups can help in gaining the identification of the child. However, be mindful of the privacy and legal implications of posting sensitive content online.

Legal Considerations

If the package theft involves USPS, it is important to know that stealing them is a federal offense. Providing this information to the parents can help drive them to take more serious action. If they do not cooperate, it may be necessary to escalate the matter to higher authorities.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the situation and protect yourself and your community from future incidents of package theft.