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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 17, 2023 12:55 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Frank A. Farry |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Cracking Down on Porch Pirating |
| The world of shopping has dramatically changed with Amazon, online grocery shopping, and direct delivery services growing in size and ease of use. These changes have many positive impacts on our constituents especially during the pandemic. Criminals see this change in commerce as another way to steal from our constituents. The average cost of a package stolen in Pennsylvania is $43 and close to 2 million Pennsylvanians have experienced this crime. The financial toll can hurt many everyday Pennsylvanians but there is also the emotional distress of having your personal property violated by these pirates. These issues continue to get worse since 2020 with the major increases and new accessibility to online/remote shopping. Theft of mail is currently charged under other theft offenses based solely on the value of the item taken. My legislation would implement specific penalties for theft of mail, which includes a package, bag or letter. The grading of this offense would increase if the person has prior convictions for theft of mail. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to fight back against this new form of piracy. |
Introduced as SB527