Mukherji’s anti-porch piracy bill one step closer to law after passing Assembly - NJ.com
The state Legislature has taken another step toward making “porch piracy” a more serious crime, thanks in part to the efforts of Jersey City Assemblyman Raj Mukherji.
The assembly Monday passed the “Defense Against Porch Pirates Act,” which would make most acts of package theft a crime punishable by three to five years in prison. Assemblymen Robert Karabinchak, D-Edison, and Gordon Johnson, D-Englewood, also sponsored the bill.
“We’ve had this issue for years, particularly in densely populated urban communities like jersey City and Union City,” said Mukerji, a Democrat who represents the 33rd District. “This is that most wonderful time of year when package theft is on the rise, and particularly since the pandemic where online shopping has become even more prevalent, unfortunately an unguarded package is a way for these thieves to victimize seniors, disabled residents, and frustrate our community during what should be a joyful season.
“We’re not just talking about holiday gifts, we’re talking about prescription drugs for our elderly neighbors,” he added.
Package theft has been a common concern among Hudson County local politicians. Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner told The Jersey Journal that it’s the “most common” crime his township faces. A spokeswoman for Jersey City said the Jersey City Police Department has seen an uptick in the crime recently, especially around the holiday season.
The bill would make stealing a package worth up to $75,000 delivered to a residence a third-degree crime, meaning it is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a $15,000 fine, or both. Right now, porch piracy is often classified as a misdemeanor.
“The point is, the thief doesn’t know what’s inside, but the intent is there and they’re well aware of what this is going to do to families and seniors and kids,” Mukherji.
Hudson County residents like Jocelyn Patrick, president of the Riverview Neighborhood Association in Jersey City, have previously complained that the existing punishment for package theft is not enough to significantly discourage it. “It’s a ticket,” she said. “It’s a ticket, and (porch pirates) walk away.”
The bill’s partner in the state senate was referred with a unanimously favorable recommendation out of the judiciary committee to the budget and appropriations committee on Dec. 14.
Mukherji said he thinks the increased penalties combined with aggressive enforcement will limit porch piratcy. “Hopefully it serves as a deterrent to these Grinches,” he said.
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source: https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/12/mukherjis-anti-porch-piracy-bill-one-step-closer-to-law-after-passing-assembly.html
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