NJ Rep. Josh Gottheimer Unveils Bill to Crack Down on Package Theft
A new bipartisan bill aimed at combating package theft has been unveiled by New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer, with the goal of tightening penalties for those who steal packages from doorsteps and mailboxes. The "Porch Pirates Act" would expand federal jurisdiction over private carriers such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, bringing them under the same umbrella as the US Postal Service.
Currently, it's a federal crime to interfere with mail delivered by the postal service, but Gottheimer's legislation seeks to close loopholes that allow package thieves to avoid prosecution. The bill would increase penalties for those convicted of package theft, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
According to Safewise, a home safety research group, nearly half of all Americans have reported having a package stolen at least once, with over 100 million deliveries snatched in the past year alone. Gottheimer highlighted that more than 190,000 people in New Jersey had packages stolen from them during a three-month period last year.
The cost of package theft is estimated to be billions of dollars each year, with the average package stolen costing up to 87% more in New Jersey compared to other states. Gottheimer said he hopes his bill will help retailers hold accountable those who steal packages and that it's not just gifts on Christmas being targeted, but also prescription drugs.
"This is really hurting a lot of people," Gottheimer stated. "There's literally a Grinch that tears through neighborhoods stealing away Christmas presents...He doesn't just do it on Christmas, but he's doing it all year round."
A new bipartisan bill aimed at combating package theft has been unveiled by New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer, with the goal of tightening penalties for those who steal packages from doorsteps and mailboxes. The "Porch Pirates Act" would expand federal jurisdiction over private carriers such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, bringing them under the same umbrella as the US Postal Service.
Currently, it's a federal crime to interfere with mail delivered by the postal service, but Gottheimer's legislation seeks to close loopholes that allow package thieves to avoid prosecution. The bill would increase penalties for those convicted of package theft, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.
According to Safewise, a home safety research group, nearly half of all Americans have reported having a package stolen at least once, with over 100 million deliveries snatched in the past year alone. Gottheimer highlighted that more than 190,000 people in New Jersey had packages stolen from them during a three-month period last year.
The cost of package theft is estimated to be billions of dollars each year, with the average package stolen costing up to 87% more in New Jersey compared to other states. Gottheimer said he hopes his bill will help retailers hold accountable those who steal packages and that it's not just gifts on Christmas being targeted, but also prescription drugs.
"This is really hurting a lot of people," Gottheimer stated. "There's literally a Grinch that tears through neighborhoods stealing away Christmas presents...He doesn't just do it on Christmas, but he's doing it all year round."
I'm not buying it 
. This whole Porch Pirates Act thing sounds like a ruse to control the parcel delivery game 
. What's next? A bill to monitor every single package that goes through the door? 
Get real, Rep Gottheimer, we all know this is just about Amazon wanting more power over the market 
. And what's with the "Grinch" comment? 
Trying to make it sound like a heart-warming issue when really it's just about corporations making a buck off of our paranoia 
. Mark my words, this bill will be used as a way to push for more surveillance and control on citizens' personal space 
. Don't fall for it! 
I think this bill is about time. I mean, who wants to receive their package and find out someone has already nicked it? 
So yeah, I think this bill is a good idea. Let's crack down on package theft and make sure people can get their packages safely.
I mean, think about it, over 100 mil deliveries snatched in the past yr alone 
. It's like, what's going on with these porch pirates? 
They're not just stealing gifts on Christmas (although that's still super annoying 
), but also meds 
that people need.
, especially in NJ where it's like 87% more expensive than other states 
. It's not cool that these thieves are getting away with it and leaving ppl with financial stress 
. Maybe it's time for package delivery tracking to get serious 
?
This Porch Pirates Act is about time!!! I mean who wants to spend their Xmas holiday getting robbed by some package thief? 
It's crazy that people think stealing packages from doorsteps is okay. Gottheimer's bill is a step in the right direction, but we need to see more action on this issue. The cost of package theft is insane, and I'm so sick of hearing about it. Those Grinch types need to be caught and prosecuted already! 
. Prescription meds and stuff can literally be life-threatening or super expensive to replace. And it's not just the cost, it's the emotional toll too... having something so valuable get swiped from your doorstep can be super stressful 
. I mean, 190k people in NJ alone had their packages stolen last year? That's crazy! And it's not just gifts, but also meds and stuff that people actually need. It's not like some Grinch is stealing all the presents on Christmas (although, yeah, that's pretty annoying too). But this new bill from Rep. Gottheimer might help put a stop to it. I guess it's about time someone took action against these porch pirates 
. Fingers crossed it actually passes and some justice gets served