The Brian Lehrer Show Are "Porch Pirates" Stealing Your Packages?
Dec 4, 2025
Julia Besonen, a freelance writer for the New York Times, shares how a surge in package theft during the pandemic united her East Village building's residents to combat the issue. She recounts the clever tactics thieves used and the security upgrades that followed. Dominic Romeo, a seasoned superintendent, offers practical advice on camera installation and tenant education. They discuss creative deterrents, like decoy packages, while highlighting the importance of reporting failures and building community vigilance to keep deliveries safe.
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Neighbors Taking Packages In
- Julia Besonen describes how her East Village building banded together during the pandemic to take in each other's packages and carry them upstairs.
- That collective effort and installing a camera briefly reduced theft until turnover and management changes reversed progress.
Use Cameras, Fix Locks, Educate Residents
- Install cameras to identify entry points and then call a locksmith to fix vulnerabilities like credit-card-accessible locks.
- Educate tenants not to buzz strangers in and watch for telltale signs like masked faces or large tote bags.
Don't Buzz Unknown Visitors
- Do not let unknown visitors into the building and refuse anyone carrying oversized tote bags or wearing masks and hats.
- Use video intercoms to verify couriers before granting access.