“Took The Bait”: Woman Doles Out Incognito Karma On Neighbor Who Constantly Stole Her Packages

In this day and age of technology and cameras, it’s almost impossible to steal a neighbor’s packages undetected. And when you do get caught, expect an embarrassing backlash at best and a ruined life, at worst. 

This entitled Karen almost experienced both when she was caught in the act. However, she didn’t get her comeuppance in one fell swoop. It happened through a series of events, from a sweet and ingenious petty revenge plot by the neighbor she stole from. 

It was ultimately a happy ending as the author proudly shared her story on Reddit. 

Package theft has been on the rise in recent years

Amazon package left on doorstep outside wooden door, illustrating package stealing and petty neighbor actions.

Image credits: Robert So/Pexels (not the actual photo)

This woman experienced it courtesy of her neighbor living across from her in an apartment complex

Text excerpt from a woman explaining her apartment complex’s shared hallway and package delivery setup.

Text excerpt describing a neighbor’s behavior after moving in, relating to package theft and petty retaliation.

Woman with blonde hair looking thoughtfully out a window, reflecting on neighbor stealing packages and getting petty.

Image credits: Elle Hughes/Pexels (not the actual photo)

She didn’t know who was doing it at first, until she caught the perpetrator in the act

Text describing a woman working from home discovering that her packages were stolen shortly after delivery notification.

Text excerpt about a neighbor’s door clicking shut, hinting at petty revenge for package stealing issues.

Text showing a woman explaining how she tested package theft by ordering cheap earrings and setting up a discreet motion-activated camera.

Hands opening a package, illustrating a woman dealing with a neighbor stealing packages in a petty response.

Image credits: Berna/Pexels (not the actual photo)

With the evidence she collected, she chose to exact petty revenge instead of reporting to the authorities

Text excerpt showing a woman planning petty revenge after a neighbor kept stealing packages worth six dollars.

Text excerpt about packages under $10 labeled with name and address left as bait for neighbor who kept stealing packages.

Woman standing by a window with arms crossed, reflecting on neighbor stealing packages and planning petty revenge.

Image credits: Freepik (not the actual photo)

Her genius plot worked, as “Cassie” never stole from her again

Text on a white background reads about collecting video evidence of a neighbor stealing packages to expose them.

Image credits: Curious-Mongoose-435

Porch pirates amassed billions of dollars’ worth of stolen goods in 2024

Brown cardboard package with a shipping label left on a doorstep, highlighting package theft by a neighbor incident.

Image credits: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels (not the actual photo)

According to this November 2024 report, package thieves stole around $12 billion of goods in the past year alone. These numbers were based on a survey of 11,000 adults around the United States, where a quarter reported having a package stolen. 

On top of that, 13 million people experienced package theft within the last three months since the report’s release. The average value of stolen items was $204, accounting for almost $3 billion in e-commerce merchandise. 

Experts like Security Explorer president Jack Berry point to the “growing reliance on e-commerce” as one of the primary reasons for the rise of package thefts. He also noted that homeowners put themselves in a position to be stolen from. 

“Such negligence makes their homes easy targets for burglars and increases the chances of package theft,” Berry told E-Commerce Times, revealing that 42% of Americans leave their doors unlocked and 15% do so even when they are not home. 

Buying in bulk online became rampant during the COVID-19 pandemic when many people sought “retail therapy” to cope with their anxieties. However, it also made package theft more sophisticated and organized. 

“Initially an opportunistic crime, the rise in home deliveries has turned it into a business for some perpetrators,” retail operations professional Suni Shamapande said. 

Keeping packages from being noticed is an effective way to deter theft

Yellow parcel locker with packages and a yellow bike in front, illustrating neighbor package theft and petty actions.

Image credits: Jean Fourche/Pexels (not the actual photo)

Having a package delivered to your doorstep does make life more convenient. However, it also makes your precious items a magnet for thieves, like cow dung to a swarm of flies. 

One way to prevent yourself from being a victim of package theft is to remove that convenience. 

This is why SafeWise.com security systems researcher Rebecca Edwards advises keeping packages hidden from plain sight by signing for deliveries or using a package locker. As she tells PBS, the locker can be a hub in your town or neighborhood, or one on your porch. 

“Unfortunately, these porch pirates make us have to go out of our way to avoid them,” she said, adding that consumers must adapt to how criminals run their business. 

Fortunately for the author, however, the package thief was someone living across from her. In her case, the revenge plot would have been a stronger message than reporting a petty crime to the authorities. And it worked out well for her. 

Readers shared their advice as the author responded to comments

Reddit conversation discussing neighbor stealing packages and a woman’s petty response to porch pirating.

Screenshot of a comment suggesting to take videos to the police to charge a neighbor stealing packages.

Comment discussing package theft affecting customers and companies, highlighting neighbor stealing packages repeatedly.

Comment on theft and petty revenge, discussing a neighbor stealing packages and reporting to the manager.

Comment suggesting sending fart spray packages to stop neighbor stealing packages with a note as a reminder.

Comment on petty revenge story about neighbor stealing packages, suggesting reporting to police and post office to stop theft.

Online comment describing a neighbor caught stealing packages, calling them a nasty little thief in a petty dispute.

Comment discussing mail theft as a federal offense and advising it should be reported to the post office for package stealing issues.

Others shared similar experiences

Comment explaining confusion over misdelivered Amazon package and frustration with neighbors stealing packages.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment describing a woman’s petty response after her neighbor kept stealing packages.

Text discussion about package delivery concerns in Western Europe compared to the US and issues with package theft.

However, some disagreed with her approach 

Online conversation discussing neighbor stealing packages and advice to take legal action for petty theft incidents.

Comment criticizing someone’s petty response to a neighbor who kept stealing packages, discussing evidence and frustration.

Comment discussing police action and accountability in relation to neighbor stealing packages and petty revenge.

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