Isabel, a woman who was expecting a package, was shocked to find out why it was missing from her porch. She used a video security camera to observe the moment her parcel disappeared, and she was able to catch the fluffy thief in the act: her neighbor’s dog. The video, recorded on a Ring Floodlight Camera, captured the playful puppy as it nonchalantly snatched the package from the front door before making a quick getaway. Isabel found the footage both comical and cute, joining a growing list of animal antics caught on camera.
In addition to the dog stealing the package, there have been other humorous incidents of animals attempting to make off with deliveries, such as squirrels in Chicago and a bear taking toilet paper in Connecticut. While these incidents may bring smiles, package theft is a serious concern for many Americans. According to a 2023 report, 24 percent of Americans have been victims of package theft, with an average value of $50 per stolen parcel. Another study showed that 17 percent of surveyed adults had a package stolen in the last three months, totaling 44 million individuals and over $8 billion in stolen merchandise over a year.
Despite widespread concerns about the safety of deliveries, many online shoppers do not take precautions to protect their parcels, and only a fraction of package thefts are reported to the police. In response to this issue, some individuals have taken creative measures to deter thieves. One example is a New York woman who set up a trap for a package thief, filling an empty box with messages meant to make the thief feel uncomfortable. These messages included warnings that the thief had been caught on camera and that their identity was known by the homeowner.
Newsweek emphasizes its commitment to questioning conventional wisdom and finding common ground in the pursuit of knowledge. They invite readers to share their own funny and adorable pet videos or pictures for a chance to be featured in the Pet of the Week lineup. By showcasing stories like Isabel’s experience with the thieving neighbor’s dog, Newsweek aims to highlight the unexpected and entertaining moments that occur in everyday life. Through sharing these stories, the publication hopes to bring people together through laughter and shared experiences.
As packages continue to be targeted by thieves, it is important for individuals to take steps to protect their deliveries and prevent theft. This includes using secure delivery options, installing video surveillance cameras, and being vigilant about suspicious activity in the neighborhood. By raising awareness about package theft and sharing stories like Isabel’s encounter with the fluffy thief, Newsweek hopes to spark conversations about this issue and encourage people to take proactive measures to safeguard their deliveries and prevent future thefts.
