EPHRATA — At least 58 million packages were stolen in the U.S. last year, with about 25% of Americans being the victims of theft, according to the United States Parcel Service. At the local level, there are thefts occurring regularly as well, but that doesn’t mean that you’re stuck being the victim, authorities say.

“The experience of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office is that package theft happens regularly,” said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman. “It is a crime of opportunity. When someone’s out looking to try and make a quick buck, they may drive through a neighborhood looking for unattended packages on the front porch.”

Preventing the problem

The key to not becoming a victim of porch pirates, Foreman said, is to be aware and take precautions to ensure you’re aware of a package arriving and take advantage of options to protect your deliveries from being stolen.

“Make sure you have tracking on your package,” he said. “For people who shop with Amazon, Amazon will show proof that your package is delivered. They will snap a photograph and send it with your notification that your package has arrived, so you can see that it’s sitting on your front porch.”

Retrieving the delivered items in a timely manner is important, but planning ahead in case that isn’t possible is a good idea as well. Having the package delivered to an Amazon drop box is an option. Including instructions with the vendor to place the package on a back porch, in an out-of-view location or with a trusted neighbor, or even having the item delivered to a work address if allowed by your employer, are also proactive steps that can prevent package thefts.

If you’re a victim

Some people will become victims of thieves, especially during the holidays, Foreman said. In that instance, there are a few things to be done.

“Home security video systems are very helpful in identifying who may have stolen your package,” Foreman said. “They also provide an extra layer of protection, just around your house. An extra layer of general security.”

The first thing to do if you’ve had a package stolen is call the non-emergency line for the Multiagency Communications Center at 509-762-1160, he said.

Don’t call 911, as that is for emergencies where people are in danger. Report the theft and either a GCSO deputy or a city officer will be dispatched as appropriate.

When the officer arrives, have any video footage available and information on the items that were stolen. The officer will help you file a report.

If you’re the pirate

Package theft is a crime that Foreman said is most likely misdemeanor theft, though each case is different. Such a crime has a fine of up to $750.

If the package taken was removed from a U.S. Postal Service mailbox, however, it is a federal offense and penalties are more severe. A fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison under federal law may be imposed.