Assemblymember Evan Low Introduces Bill to Prosecute Package Thieves

SACRAMENTO — Today Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) introduced legislation, AB 2814, which will make it a crime to enter the vicinity of a home with the intent to commit theft of any packages shipped through the mail or delivered by public or private carrier. This legislation will strengthen California law and provide a legal method for law enforcement to charge individuals for coming on to someone’s property to steal delivered packages.

Assemblymember Evan Low said,

“We need stronger laws that equip law enforcement with the necessary tools to hold accountable and deter porch pirates stealing from our homes. It is not okay that someone who is caught stealing in the morning from one constituent’s porch, by the afternoon is right back on the next street over stealing a package from another constituent’s porch.”

California law prohibits stealing private property and packages, but there is not a punishable crime for entering the area around the home with the intent to steal – only if they go inside a house or enclosed structure, so many individuals stealing packages off doorsteps face few consequences and ultimately are released to continue to victimize and steal from the community.

The broader San Francisco – Oakland – San Jose area has consistently ranked number one in the country with the highest rate of package thefts. With more than 80% of individuals now shopping online, porch piracy continues to plague residents and California law has not caught up to provide law enforcement the necessary tools to deter the crime.

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Evan Low represents the Silicon Valley in the California State Assembly. He was elected in 2014 after serving as a Councilmember and Mayor for the City of Campbell. He serves as a Member of the Assembly Committees on Business and Professions, Elections, Governmental Organization, Higher Education, and Rules. Assemblymember Low also serves as the Chair of the California Asian American & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, is the founder and Co-Chair of the California Legislative Technology & Innovation Caucus, and is a Member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus.