GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Mich. – According to police, porch pirates are targeting cell phone deliveries in Grosse Pointe Farms because of a possible data leak.
Grosse Pointe Farms Police Detective Roger Wierszewski said they’re investigating seven cases of stolen cell phone packages from porches.
“Somebody got a hold of and is able to hack into a system, whether it’s through FedEx or through AT&T, and learn where these phones are going and what time they’re going to be delivered,” Wierszewski said.
Irene Sun, a Grosse Pointe Farms resident, has a doorbell video of a porch pirate swiping her iPhone delivery.
“FedEx dropped it off on our porch, and about a half hour later, a woman came onto our porch (and) knew exactly where it was hidden behind the plants that you saw on the porch,” Sun said.
Sun was shocked this had happened.
“She knew exactly where it was when she came to get it,” Sun said.
Police say the thieves can also hack into the system and change your signature preference.
“They’re able to delete that request for signature where they just say leave it on the porch,” Wierszewski said.
Cities across the state are seeing a similar pattern.
“It could be up to hundreds of phones being stolen just out of Michigan per day,” Wierszewski said.
If you’re ordering a cell phone, police recommend picking it up in-store.
If you must have it delivered, police recommend being home when it’s delivered and tracking the package closely to be sure preferences aren’t changed.
Police say this is an open investigation and hope to have an update soon.
-> Grosse Pointe Farms authorities see increase in mail thefts involving electronics