NC bill seeks tougher penalties for porch pirates

There are new efforts to protect your packages from being swiped by porch pirates.

Protect your packages: Tips to prevent ‘porch pirates’

Lawmakers in Raleigh filed a bill increasing the penalties for thieves targeting your mail.

A victim told Channel 9’s Hunter Sáenz that an iPhone was stolen from his doorstep, and it was caught on a Ring camera.

However, a camera may not be enough to deter thieves from stealing packages.

“I think it’s wrong,” said resident LeRoy, who did not want to give his last name.

The iPhone was stolen within minutes after it was dropped off.

“I was shocked that she was that bold to pull up onto the driveway and just walk around as though she lived here,” he said.

A new proposed bill would make stealing mail, or a package delivered by courier, commercial delivery, or private delivery, a felony in some cases, with potential prison time as a consequence.

“You’re taking people’s hard-earned money away from them,” LeRoy said.

He applauds the idea of harsher punishments for the crimes and hopes the bill will pass.

“I think it’s an outstanding idea,” LeRoy said. “I think it should be treated just like we do with tampering with someone’s mail.”

Every member of the state House voted in favor of the bill and it is now in the Senate.

VIDEO: Porch pirate disguised as delivery driver steals kid’s medication