Porch pirates are individuals who steal packages left unattended on doorsteps. They often target residential areas, particularly during peak delivery times, to capitalize on the growing popularity of online shopping. While stealing packages might seem like a minor offense, it is important to understand that it can have serious legal consequences.
What Crimes Can Porch Pirates Be Charged with?
Those caught stealing packages can face criminal theft charges, the severity of which can vary depending on factors such as the value of the stolen goods and the offender's criminal history. Even small-scale package theft can lead to fines, probation, or even jail time.
Porch pirates may be charged with the following theft crimes:
- Grand larceny. The Code of Virginia 18.2-95 defines grand larceny as committing an act of larceny that involves:
- Something of value for $5 or more from the person (thefts “from the person” are accomplished by taking something from another’s person’s physical possession, such as occurs in a pickpocketing)
- Simple larceny not from the person of goods and chattels of the value of $1,000 or more
- Simple larceny not from the person of another of any firearm, regardless of the firearm's value
- Petit larceny. This offense occurs when a person takes something from the person valued at less than $5 or commits simple larceny of goods and chattels of the value of less than $1,000.
What Is Considered Larceny in VA?
Larceny is an umbrella term that refers to property-related crimes that involve theft (i.e., taking or obtaining someone else’s rightfully owned property with the intent to deprive them of its value or the good itself). Larceny offenses can include shoplifting, grand and petit larceny, embezzlement, and other theft crimes. As evidenced by the differing definitions of petit and grand larceny, each offense that falls under this umbrella involves different elements and actions.
What Are the Penalties for Package Theft?
If a person is charged with grand larceny, they face being imprisoned for one to 20 years and a fine of $2,500. Petit larceny is a Class 1 misdemeanor. That means a person can face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of no more than $2,500.
Recent Porch Pirate Incidents in Virginia
Two notable package theft incidents have occurred recently in Virginia, both involving stolen phones and captured on doorbell cameras. In Chesterfield County, an armed suspect was recorded taking an iPhone package from a residential porch within 15 minutes of its FedEx delivery.
The masked individual, who fled in a white vehicle, was seen raising a handgun in the direction of two nearby residents during the incident. Chesterfield County Police Department officials indicated this suspect may be connected to other similar thefts, including one in Henrico County.
In a separate incident in Woodbridge, a suspect disguised as an Amazon delivery driver targeted a home during daytime hours. The individual, wearing an Amazon vest, was recorded placing an empty box while simultaneously removing a package containing a company-issued cell phone from the porch of Saprina Shomari, who was working from home at the time.
Surveillance footage showed the suspect departing in a silver unmarked van. The Prince William County Police Department is investigating this incident as a larceny case.
Talk with Our Defense Attorney
Andrew J. Cornick, Attorney at Law can be an asset in helping you defend yourself against theft charges, including those involving alleged package thefts. I can help you understand the specific charges you are facing, the potential consequences of conviction, and possible paths forward (i.e., plea negotiations, trial outcomes, etc.). I can also help you collect evidence and develop a strategy for challenging the prosecution’s evidence.
I have 20 years of legal experience and have dedicated my practice to helping clients mount solid defenses and protect their rights and freedom. Clients trust me with their cases because of my dedication and continual support throughout the legal process.
To request a free case consultation, call (540) 386-0204 or reach out online.