Porch Pirate Season: Tips To Safeguard Deliveries In Sioux Empire

‘Tis the season… to be shopping!

Most of us spend the month of December bouncing between local mom and pop shops, big box stores, and the occasional frantic late-night online order. But others, let’s call them the Grinches of the world, prefer to do their holiday “shopping” right from your front door.

Welcome to Porch Pirate Season again.

It’s that magical time of year when sneaky Scrooges all over the Sioux Empire lurk around looking for a five-finger discount wrapped in Amazon Prime tape.

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Now, I like to play a little holiday game of my own. Every December, I order the strangest, most useless items imaginable, specifically hoping someone tries to swipe them. You know, something like “Hello Larry” Season One on VHS. Imagine being the poor soul who nabs that package, races home, tears it open… and finds McLean Stevenson smiling back at them. Take that, ya filthy animal!

But in all seriousness, porch piracy is no joke. The security firm Safewise reports that more than 104 million packages are stolen nationwide each year during the holiday season. That’s a lot of disappointment under a lot of trees.

So how do you defend your doorstep?

Have your Christmas items delivered elsewhere. Experts suggest sending your packages to your workplace or to an Amazon Hub. Sioux Falls has quite a few convenient pickup locations across town.

Light ’em up.

If you do choose home delivery, an article from Dakota News Now recommends turning on those porch lights. A well-lit walkway is like kryptonite to porch pirates.

Use cameras or video doorbells.

They can notify you instantly when a package arrives, and just as importantly, when it suddenly doesn’t stay arrived. If something goes missing, footage can help authorities act quickly and hopefully find the culprit.

Taking a few of these precautions can help keep your holiday merry, your packages safe, and your inner Scrooge from muttering “bah humbug” throughout the holiday season.

10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Cities on the east and west side of the Missouri River have made the latest list of South Dakota's Most Dangerous Cities for 2021.

Roadsnacks recently released its most 'Dangerous Cities' list and here in The Mount Rushmore state there are a few surprises, especially at the top. To determine the most dangerous cities in the state, Roadsnacks looked at the FBI's report on the latest violent crime, along with property crime statistics.

And surprisingly, the town with the most murders per capita in the state has less than 3,000 residents. Take a look at the list below.

For a look at the detailed list, visit roadsnacks.com Story Source: Roadsncaks

Source: Watch Out For Sioux Falls Grinches Stealing Your Holiday Packages