COLOMBIA – It’s a crime that can happen in a second, even in broad daylight with cameras around: Packages stolen from sidewalks, porches and curbs by thieves in hopes of making a quick profit.
But South Carolina lawmakers are looking to punish these criminals, as the state could become the last to enact “balcony piracy” legislation that would make the act subject to imprisonment.
“People need to know that this type of conduct will not be tolerated and, as our economy continues to develop, where we make less and less physical purchases, this type of activity needs to be protected,” says Rep Cezar McKnight, D- Kingstree, told a House Judiciary subcommittee on February 24. “This is not just a problem at Christmas. This happens much more than you think. “
He is the main sponsor of the “Defense Against Pirates of Porch Act”, which would create a new class of crime for people convicted of such robberies. Initially seeking a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and $ 5,000 fines, McKnight said he was willing to change the proposal, giving judges and prosecutors more flexibility in determining how a person should be punished.
“When we pass the laws, there will be instances beyond our imagination and we are elected lawyers to make those decisions,” said state deputy Seth Rose, D-Columbia.
Lawmakers have suspended debate on the issue to work out the details of that language, but have indicated initial support for drafting some kind of statute that would protect victims of package theft.
Union resident George Cleveland agreed.
“Usually, people who go to people’s balconies and steal packages are addicted to some kind of drug,” he told lawmakers. “I’m not talking about punishment, I’m not rejecting restitution, but I think we need to have some kind of rehabilitation mechanism as well.”
Under current law, package theft falls under the broader petit theft crime – the same charge for shoplifting or a bad check – as long as the stolen goods are worth less than $ 2,000. The maximum penalty for the misdemeanor is 30 days in prison and a $ 1,000 fine.
Officials say package theft will become even greater theft as consumer habits change in the coronavirus era. Internet shopping rates are skyrocketing, which means bigger stocks.
People who live in rural areas away from large retailers like Walmart are also susceptible due to their isolated location.
Between March and mid-April, e-commerce spending jumped 30% compared to the same rate in 2019, as retail sales fell nearly 9%, according to Rakuten Intelligence.
McKnight said that many people also receive medication at home, as their father did.
“I believe that the sanctity of someone’s home is sacred, and that extends to their peripheries. The front porch, the back porch, ”McKnight said.
Residents of the state of Palmetto are not as affected by the problem as others, concluded a recent analysis by US Packaging and Wrapping, based in Arkansas. South Carolina ranked 49th nationally in package thefts per 100,000 people, at a rate of 1.84 in 2019, the company found.
And a survey by market insights firm C + R Research found that of 2,000 people surveyed across the country, more than a third reported having a package stolen at least once last year, with an average replacement cost of $ 109.
State Representative Jeff Johnson, R-Conway and chairman of the subcommittee, said he was optimistic that McKnight’s move would move forward once the amendments were added.
Follow Adam Benson on Twitter @ AdamNewshound12.