As the holiday shopping season begins with Thanksgiving and Black Friday, authorities warn against the surge of "porch pirates," thieves targeting online delivery packages. Particularly in areas like LA’s Koreatown and Irvine, such crimes are increasing, including incidents where thieves impersonate homeowners to steal deliveries directly from couriers.

According to LAPD, package thefts in LA peak during the holiday season, with December reporting the highest cases. In 2023, over 3,600 package thefts were reported citywide, with November and December accounting for the bulk. In 2024, over 2,400 cases had been reported by January, with the Olympic Division area witnessing 230 cases—the highest among precincts.

Experts suggest the actual number of stolen packages is likely much higher, as many incidents go unreported, with victims opting for replacements through retailers like Amazon.

Irvine Incident: Impersonation Crime
In a brazen crime on November 18, a thief in Irvine impersonated a homeowner, presenting fake identification to a UPS delivery driver to steal a package containing a high-value Apple laptop. Surveillance footage showed the suspect calmly signing for the package and escaping in a sedan. The homeowner was present during the incident but was unaware of the theft until it occurred.

Precautionary Measures
Law enforcement and consumer advocates emphasize prevention over recovery. Suggested measures include:

Monitoring delivery updates to promptly retrieve packages.
Installing video doorbells with notification features.
Using secure delivery options like Amazon Lockers.
Requiring signatures for package deliveries.
Strengthening security in apartment complexes.
With package theft cases rarely solved, heightened awareness and security precautions are crucial during the holiday season.

By: Hyung-Seok Han

<Hyungseok Han>