Man Posing As Amazon Driver While Stealing Packages In Grand Rapids

As the holiday season approaches in West Michigan, people who want to steal your packages are already finding creative ways to sneak by your home security. Fox17 shared the story of a Grand Rapids family who had hundreds of dollars worth of Apple products stolen off their porch by someone dressed as an Amazon delivery driver.

The thief was wearing an Amazon vest similar to the one pictured above when they struck, making it easy to sneak by neighbors and security cameras in the middle of the day.

How did they pull it off? The thief followed a FedEX driver who was delivering the apple products. Once the packages were placed on their porch by the actual FedEX driver, the thief in the amazon package took their packages and replaced them with a box full of printer paper instead.

The family said they felt violated knowing someone had stolen their stuff, right under their noses. They informed GRPD, and said you should do the same if this fake Amazon driver decides to strike again. But, this is another reminder to make sure you're protecting your deliveries as porch pirates become more active during the holiday season, taking advantage of everyone ordering presents online.

Here’s a list of ways to avoid being hit by a porch pirate:

1. Schedule deliveries for when you're home – Arrange delivery times when you're available to receive packages or require a signature upon delivery.
2. Use a secure delivery location– Send packages to your workplace, a friend's house, or use Amazon Lockers or other secure pickup options.
3. Install a video doorbell or security camera – Porch pirates are often deterred by visible cameras, and video evidence can help identify thieves.
4. Provide specific delivery instructions – Leave notes for delivery drivers to hide packages in a less visible area, such as behind a plant or fence.
5. Sign up for delivery alerts – Use tracking notifications and apps from delivery services to know when your package arrives.
6. Use package guards or lockboxes – Install a secure lockbox on your porch, where delivery drivers can safely place packages.
7. Coordinate with neighbors – If you know your neighbor is home, ask them to collect your package, or offer to do the same for them.
8. Require signature confirmation – Ensure that packages aren’t left on your porch unless someone is there to sign for them.
9. Have packages held at the post office or store – Many carriers and retailers offer the option to hold your packages for in-person pickup.
10. Join neighborhood watch apps – Use community platforms like Nextdoor to report suspicious activity and keep an eye out for each other’s deliveries.