Dear Prudence,
I need some advice. My husband and I are in a tricky situation with our neighbors. We live in a duplex, and the couple renting the other half—“James” and “Helen”—have been stealing packages we order online. We’ve tried to be friendly, but they’ve brushed us off.
Recently, our elderly mother-in-law has needed specialty incontinence underwear, which we can only get online. After a few deliveries, we noticed that the packages continued to disappear, even though other items kept arriving without issue.
To figure things out, my husband set up a Ring doorbell camera. To our surprise, the footage showed James and Helen taking our boxes. We’ve never had any issues until now, and it’s frustrating—especially since we really need these supplies.
My husband thinks we should call the police, but I’m more inclined to talk to them directly. It seems like a small issue, but it’s causing us stress. What’s the best way to handle this without escalating the situation?
Dear Porch Pirates,
Start with a friendly approach. Consider writing a note or chatting with them in person. Here’s a suggestion:
“Hi neighbors! We’ve been wondering about some missing packages from a specialty pharmacy. We think there might be a mix-up with the address, especially since the shipments include medical supplies. If you happen to see any unfamiliar items, please let us know!”
This way, you can give them a chance to correct their mistake without making them defensive. It also serves as a subtle reminder that they’ve been caught on camera. Often, people will avoid stealing again once they realize someone is watching.
While package theft may seem minor, experts note that it can escalate tensions in a neighborhood. According to a recent survey from the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, nearly 1 in 10 Americans have reported falling victim to package theft. This trend highlights that many people are dealing with similar issues, making communication even more essential.
If the situation doesn’t improve after your talk, you may need to escalate to local authorities. But starting with dialogue can often resolve misunderstandings before they spiral out of control.
Stay calm and good luck!
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