JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — We're all familiar with the term porch pirates.
Unfortunately, it's a term that we have been hearing more often because of the uptick in packages being stolen from someone's property.
In an effort to combat this issue, Arkansas legislators passed a new law last year stating that package theft will now be considered a Classy D felony. This law that recently took effect has become a real game changer for law enforcement agencies like the Jacksonville Police Department.
"Packages disappear left and right. So hopefully the stricter punishment will keep people from going up there and stealing your packages," Captain Wright said.
According to the new statute, a person who knowingly commits theft of property can face up to six years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000.
"Depending on the value of the property, it could have been a misdemeanor. Now even if you order a pair of $10 earrings and they show up on your porch and they steal them, then it's a class D felony," Captain Wright described.
Jacksonville resident and former HOA president, Jim Moore, said that the law is a game changer. He also shared that he is someone who knows firsthand how it feels to have packages being stolen.
"Because that's a person's personal property, they've worked hard for it. I know I've worked hard for everything I have," Moore added.
While he's hopeful this law will work, Moore said he's still using other measures to keep his packages safe, such as being there for a delivery or telling a delivery service to hold it.
"It's a shame that has to be done that way, but it has to be. Because today, there is so much theft going on around houses," Moore said.
While extra precautions never hurt, Captain Wright said there are other things you can do to keep your packages safe.
"The main thing is making sure that you secure your stuff. You want to consider where you're having your packages delivered. Schedule it for whenever you're home, to be picked up, or possibly consider a P.O. box," Captain Wright said.