(WBFF) — Baltimore has been ranked as the fifth worst city for porch piracy, according to a report by Safewise.com.
The city, already known as the fourth most dangerous in the U.S., has seen a staggering 67% increase in package thefts from last year. The total cost to victims so far this year has exceeded $159 million.
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In Federal Hill, residents are feeling the impact. One resident remarked, “Property crime here in this neighborhood is probably the number one factor. So porch piracy.” Another added, “If you’re looking for a package in this neighborhood, this is a good spot.”
Police are actively searching for a man they describe as a serial porch pirate.
Elliot Scott, one of his victims, expressed frustration, saying, “It’s a bit frustrating because, you know, the stuff in that package is just really no value to anybody but me.”
Even Police Commissioner Richard Worley fell victim to package theft. “If it can happen to him, it can happen to anybody,” a resident noted, highlighting the city’s broader quality of life issues.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates has advocated for increased focus on quality-of-life crimes. Bates initiated a citation docket to address such offenses, including thefts up to $1,500, which encompass most porch piracy cases. “We’ve had the citation docket for almost three years. In three years they’ve written a thousand citations. But Baltimore Police Department only written 300,” Bates said.
Residents are concerned about the city’s future. “People are gonna get upset. And you know, the good hard working tax paying people who live in the city, might end up leaving,” one resident warned. Another suggested, “If you start low and work your way up the food chain, I think you can make a difference.”
The cities that topped Baltimore in porch piracy are Houston, Miami, New York City, and Chicago, which ranks number one.
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