Porch pirates target the Orange Park neighborhood days before Christmas

Orange Park, Florida. – An Orange Park neighborhood was targeted by porch pirates right before the holiday, and it was all caught on camera.

Now, residents of the Spencer Plantation neighborhood are calling on thieves to return the gifts — no questions asked.

Neighbors said the lack of street lights in this area may be what attracts porch pirates, and that this has been a problem for the past few years now.

“There's a report of people actually following the delivery trucks. Once the delivery is done, they'll wait a few minutes and then go and pick up the package,” said neighbor Candice Blish.

Bleich's loop camera captured images of porch pirates taking packages from her front door.

Watch the video below.

Blish said this has been a problem for the past few years in her Orange Park neighborhood. She describes it as disappointing.

“It doesn't matter if it's a $5 keychain, or a $500 piece of china, or whatever it is, it doesn't matter what it is, it's from your heart. It's for someone else you love. There's a reason you bought that gift. It doesn't matter,” Blish said. “He took it from someone else.”

Related | Have your vacation shipments been stolen? What to know about porch piracy and what you can do about it

This is a widespread problem as well.

Forbes reports Nearly 8 in 10 Americans were robbed in 2022.

Bleach has a message for the Balcony Pirates.

“Even if the package was open, you know, even if you didn't want to sit there and knock on the door and meet the person face to face. Leave a note in. You know, it would be nice if they apologized. But at least take it back and sit there,” Bleach said. You know, don't do that in the future.”

More | Porch Pirate 101: Don't let your packages get to thieves

It's always a good idea to buy things online using a credit card. If you have a package stolen from your front porch, you may be able to dispute the charge or reach out to find out what protections are in place to get a refund.

Although this did not stop them in this case, a doorbell camera can sometimes deter thieves.

Police also recommend asking a neighbor or family member to pick up a package that will remain on the porch for a while, or trying to take advantage of delivery options like an Amazon locker, or asking for a signature upon delivery.