As twinkling lights go up and holiday gift shopping moves online, so does a less welcome trend in Cypress South and across the country: package theft. Known as "porch pirates," these opportunistic thieves target doorsteps, porches, and apartment lobbies in search of unattended deliveries — and with online orders expected to surge through December, the risk only grows.

To help residents stay protected this season, the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office — which serves Cypress South — is encouraging residents to take simple but effective steps to safeguard their packages.

“More and more Americans are doing much of their holiday shopping online,” said Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office. “Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more package thefts from the doorsteps of the homes in Precinct 5.”

Constable Terry Allbritton’s Package Protection Tips

The Constable’s Office shares these practical strategies for keeping your deliveries out of the hands of thieves:

• Have a trusted neighbor receive your packages. Use delivery tracking tools to coordinate pickup from a friend or neighbor right after it arrives. If they’ll be home, consider having the package sent directly to their address.

• Ship to where you are — not where you’re not. If your workplace allows it, have items delivered to your office instead of your empty home.

• Use your apartment’s front office for deliveries. Residents in apartment complexes can often request that packages be left at the leasing office for secure pickup.

• Request signature confirmation. Most major retailers give you the option to require a signature upon delivery — this prevents packages from being left unattended on your porch.

• Pick up packages directly from delivery facilities. Both UPS and FedEx offer hold-for-pickup options at their local branches, giving you control over when and where you collect your items.

• If your package is stolen, report it. Contact your local law enforcement agency right away. Swift reporting can help build awareness of neighborhood crime trends and support investigations.

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Local Numbers, Nationwide Problem

While the Constable’s Office shared that package thefts have been increasing in Precinct 5 neighborhoods, it’s part of a national pattern. In fact, a New York Times report cited data estimating that nearly 11 million U.S. households experienced package theft in a single year.

According to security researchers at SafeWise, many of these thefts happen in broad daylight, often within minutes of delivery. But preventative measures — even simple ones — can significantly reduce the risk.

"Security is about habits," said SafeWise security expert Teresa Anderson in a 2025 report. "It’s not always about expensive gear. Little actions like signature delivery, neighbor pickup, or even adding motion lights can deter most porch thieves."

Smart Steps for a Safe Holiday in Cypress South

In Cypress South, where neighbors often know each other by name and keep an eye out for one another, community collaboration plays a key role in preventing crime. Residents are encouraged to talk with their neighbors about watching each other’s deliveries and to report any suspicious activity.

Whether it’s routing deliveries to your office, asking a neighbor for help, or requiring a signature on arrival, each small step adds a layer of protection during this busy time of year.

By working together, Cypress South can make the holidays safer — and a little less cheerful for the porch pirates.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.