Deliveries of groceries and packages are soaring as physical retailers close their doors and tens of millions of Americans shelter in place. Moreover, the need for social distancing may encourage more delivery workers to leave packages unattended on porches rather than risk an interaction with someone who has the coronavirus.

These conditions may be perfect for thieves, who prior to the pandemic were increasingly pilfering packages from homes across the country.

About 11 million homeowners reported having a package stolen in 2017 and a separate 2018 survey found that almost a fifth of Americans said they had been a victim. Three-quarters of the 2017 thefts occurred during the day, and the average cost of the stolen items was close to US$200.

I led a recent study of porch piracy to better understand how it happens. I enlisted the help of two graduate students, Melody Hicks and Zachary Hutchinson, to help me review the videos, and my wife Amy Stickle, a math lecturer, performed a statistical analysis to ensure accuracy of the data collected.

We examined 67 home security videos uploaded to YouTube to observe the behavior of porch pirates before, during and after they stole a package. Our analysis, which documented 98 stolen packages, reveals some interesting trends and possible prevention techniques.

We found that thefts typically transpired close to roadways, with packages being visible from the street in nearly all incidents of theft. Most packages that were stolen were of medium size and had brand names on the boxes.

Very few thieves attempted to disguise themselves. As they approached residences, neither fences, cameras or vehicles parked in the driveway seemed to deter them. And a few thieves appeared to be actually following delivery vehicles.

We noticed that to avoid suspicion when executing their heists, some thieves carried dummy items with them to reduce suspicion, such as paperwork, packages or other items to make their visit seem legitimate.

In virtually every incident, a single individual approached the home and took the packages. In a third of cases, there was also an accomplice involved who usually served as a getaway driver.

One aspect that particularly struck us was how quickly the thefts transpired. From start to finish, we documented several that took under 30 seconds to complete.

In terms of solutions, recipients would be smart to try to ensure theres a secure container or location to store packages until they can be retrieved. Businesses should make sure to always notify customers when packages are delivered and avoid leaving them in the open.

Put simply, our research suggests vigilance is key. And as more stuff arrives at our doorsteps, itll be easy pickings for thieves unless retailers, delivery companies, law enforcement and consumers dont do more to curb porch piracy.

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Original post:
Porch piracy: Here's what we learned after watching hours of YouTube videos showing packages being pilfered from homes - The Conversation US

Ashley Brown and Kurt Kryszak are capturing history in a series of family portraits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Families gather on their steps and front lawns for the informal portraits.

Brown, a photographer who owns Eleven Creative, and photographer/videographer Kurt Kryszak of Kryszak Photography, share a studio in Downtown Bay City at 509 Center Ave. Before COVID-19 hit, the pair focused on weddings, senior pictures, and family portraits. They also provide freelance photography services for Route Bay City.

Since the portraits are taken at home, its easy to include family pets.

Now, they spend their days shooting portraits of families together on porches or in their front yards. The portraits capture moments in everyday family life under Gov. Gretchen Whitmers Stay Home Executive Order.

Brown relies on long lenses to capture portraits without any physical contact between herself and the people in the pictures.I think theres something really raw and real about taking family photos at your own home, Brown adds. Especially during the pandemic. It doesnt give you the opportunity to go out and shop for new matching outfits, get haircuts, etc. Its real life.

Most of the families featured in the project have been eager to get outside and do something different.

Brown was inspired when she came across an NBC Boston article talking about the #TheFrontStepsProject, which started in Needham, Massachusetts. A freelance photographer there wanted to capture families in this unique time in history. Browns approach is similar and aims at a more local market. She is calling it the Porch Portraits Project.

Before the pandemic, Browns business focused on families, high school seniors, and wedding parties. Much of that business dried up when social distancing restrictions became normal.

I saw the original article about this project, and I thought Okay, thats awesome, says Brown. Id love to be able to capture people with their families right now. I think this has really shown useveryonewhat is important in life, and thats our families.

The portraits offer a glimpse of American family life during a global pandemic.While the project does require Brown and Kryszak to leave their home, they are careful to follow social distancing guidelines to protect themselves, their subjects, and the community. They drive to the homes, but remain outside and about 10 to 15 feet away from the families. Scheduling and payment all take place without any physical contact. Neither Brown nor Kryszak are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and have no known exposure to anyone with the illness.

Jenn and Aaron Grigg contacted Brown to become part of her Porch Portraits Project.I dont touch anything other than my own camera equipment and my vehicle, Brown adds, discussing the practice of safe methods during the pandemic. While she takes stills of the clients, Kryszak takes photos of Brown behind the scenesalso at a safe distance. The whole process is done in under 10 minutes.

Families throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region are invited to join the project.Like how most of us feel right now, Brown says the families shes taken portraits of so far have all been a little stir crazy and anxious to get outside. One client used them as their pregnancy/baby announcement, so that was fun, she adds. Once the portraits are finished and edited, she emails them directly to the clients.

The finished portraits offer a candid look at life during the COVID-19 pandemic.Brown and Kryszak are accepting clients for this project in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but are focused on Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland.

As the studio is closed and people cancel weddings and delay senior portraits, Brown and Kryszak are looking for more Porch Portraits Project clients. They plan on continuing the project as long as the pandemic lasts. To schedule an appointment, reach out to Brown through Eleven Creative.

Original post:
The Porch Portraits Project: Two Bay City photographers capturing images of history as it happens - Concentrate

Ashley Brown and Kurt Kryszak are capturing history in a series of family portraits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brown, a photographer who owns Eleven Creative, and photographer/videographer Kurt Kryszak of Kryszak Photography, share a studio in Downtown Bay City at 509 Center Ave. Before COVID-19 hit, the pair focused on weddings, senior pictures, and family portraits. They also provide freelance photography services for Route Bay City.

Now, they spend their days shooting portraits of families together on porches or in their front yards. The portraits capture moments in everyday family life under Gov. Gretchen Whitmers Stay Home Executive Order.

Photographer Ashley Brown stands 10 to 15 feet away from the people featured in her Porch Portraits Project.

I think theres something really raw and real about taking family photos at your own home, Brown adds. Especially during the pandemic. It doesnt give you the opportunity to go out and shop for new matching outfits, get haircuts, etc. Its real life.

Brown was inspired when she came across an NBC Boston article talking about the #TheFrontStepsProject, which started in Needham, Massachusetts. A freelance photographer there wanted to capture families in this unique time in history. Browns approach is similar and aims at a more local market. She is calling it the Porch Portraits Project.

I saw the original article about this project, and I thought Okay, thats awesome, says Brown. Id love to be able to capture people with their families right now. I think this has really shown useveryonewhat is important in life, and thats our families.

Since the portraits are taken at home, its easy to include family pets.

While the project does require Brown and Kryszak to leave their home, they are careful to follow social distancing guidelines to protect themselves, their subjects, and the community. They drive to the homes, but remain outside and about 10 to 15 feet away from the families. Scheduling and payment all take place without any physical contact. Neither Brown nor Kryszak are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and have no known exposure to anyone with the illness.

I dont touch anything other than my own camera equipment and my vehicle, Brown adds, discussing the practice of safe methods during the pandemic. While she takes stills of the clients, Kryszak takes photos of Brown behind the scenesalso at a safe distance. The whole process is done in under 10 minutes.

Brown relies on zoom lenses to capture portraits without any physical contact between herself and the people in the pictures.

Like how most of us feel right now, Brown says the families shes taken portraits of so far have all been a little stir crazy and anxious to get outside. One client used them as their pregnancy/baby announcement, so that was fun, she adds. Once the portraits are finished and edited, she emails them directly to the clients.

Brown and Kryszak are accepting clients for this project in the Great Lakes Bay Region, but are focused on Bay City, Saginaw, and Midland.

As the studio is closed and people cancel weddings and delay senior portraits, Brown and Kryszak are looking for more Porch Portraits Project clients. They plan on continuing the project as long as the pandemic lasts. To schedule an appointment, reach out to Brown through Eleven Creative.

View original post here:
The Porch Portraits Project: Two photographers capturing images of history as it happens - Concentrate

Some title companies are conducting remote digital closings.

As the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to turn the real estate market on its head, curbside and remote mortgage closings have become a logical extension of signing loan documents and distributing money at the office of a title company or escrow office.

Title companies are adjusting to new protocols to ensure safe closings, according to Diane Tomb, CEO of American Land Title Association.

During this health pandemic and social distancing, were seeing title companies across the country get creative to offer safe and secure closings for their customers, she said. In addition to drive-through closings and implementing safe closing protocols, companies are closing transactions through remote online notarization, which uses audio/visual technology to complete a notarial act when the customer is not in the same physical location as the notary public.

Notaries and signers are justifiably concerned about being exposed to someone possibly infected with COVID-19 when meeting face to face during loan signings and notarizations, according to Notary Bulletin, noting: In response, some closing companies have recommended a process called window-separated signing or porch signing, in which loan signings are conducted through a window or doorway at a safe physical distance.

National Notary Association has published guidelines for performing window-separated signings. For example, a notary must follow all federal, state and local guidelines for social distancing, health protection and sanitization when meeting with signers and handling documents, IDs or other materials. When items are passed between the signer and notary, one person should place the item in a neutral area and then step back and provide safe distance to allow the other person to pick it up.

Notarize, a platform for digital notarizations, sawreal estate volume increase by 400% in Marchandhas $23 billion in real estate transactions ordered for April.To support the surge in demand,Notarize is hiring 1,000 notaries in Texas, Florida, Nevada and Virginiatojoin its team in a role that allows notaries to work remotely, safely in their homes.

Knight Barry Title Group in Milwaukee is offering remote closing solutions whenever possible for the safety and convenience of its customers.

In a Facebook video, chief operating officer Craig Haskins explained that Knight Barry has implemented a work-from-home plan for employees who are able to handle their jobs remotely. But mission-critical jobs like our closing department and our closers, theyre here, and they are closing your transactions right now in our closing rooms, he said. With some of our employees allowed working remotely, its allowed us to create a safer social-distancing environment. It allows us to keep clean, stay organized and be prepared for the next set of closings that come through our doors.

Haskins said the company has put into effect safe plans for its office to make sure it is sanitized. The guidance is published on Knight Barrys website. For example, the company has bought hundreds of pens so that after the signing, the signers can take their pens with them or dispose of them on the way out. After the closing, the staff wipes down all touched hard surfaces.

Knight Barry also can handle document signing online and give customers their proceeds in a way they prefer.

The remote online notarization allows us to keep our offices free of unneeded visitors, explained Haskins. While we love to have you in the closing rooms, at this point in time, wed like to limit the number of people coming into the room and limit those closings just to the people who need to sign the documents when possible. Weve also had many requests for in-home closings. While it seems like a great idea, those are becoming harder and harder for us to plan around and organize.

Rocket Mortgage states on in its website that it is taking extraordinary measures to complete customers real estate transaction in a safe and secure manner, including:

Even though shelter-in-place orders are in effect in many areas of the country, the mortgage process can still continue, Rocket Mortgage states. Appraisers, closing agents and other people who need to enter your home can still do so under the shelter-in-place order. In some cases, we even have alternative ways to complete these parts of the process that dont require entering the home.

To make these precautionary measures as effective as possible, we need your support. When the appraiser or signing agent arrives, they are going to ask to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet, and they will not shake your hand. This isnt because theyre unfriendly, it is because theyre following CDC guidelines to maintain proper safety. They may even arrive wearing rubber gloves or a face mask as an added precaution. We respect their choice to do so, and ask that you respect it as well.

Kathy Kwak, vice president of title and escrow operations and counsel for Proper Title in Chicago, told Chicago Agent magazine that in order to ensure the safety of her staff, the second-largest title agency in Illinois is encouraging buyers and sellers to provide a power of attorney to their lawyers so that they dont need to attend the closing at all.

In a typical curbside transaction, the magazine reports that buyers and their agents show up in separate cars and are met outside by a title company closer, who will collect the buyers drivers license, signature and cashiers or certified check. Before the closing, the buyers attorney must review the loan and closing documents.

Kwak pointed out that although the overall process is much safer, the excitement of closing on a home is somewhat diminished. This is a big moment for many buyers, she said, noting that the pandemic has taken away that whole ceremony. All of that now has been removed. Its so robotic and routine now.

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From Curb Service To Porch Signings, Title Companies Get Creative With Social Distancing Options For Closings - Forbes

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MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Calif. (KTXL) -- If a picture is worth a thousand words, what photographer Katie Scott is doing around her Mountain House community tells a beautiful story.

Scott had the idea to take photos of families on their porches during her afternoon walk.

She posted her idea online and since then more than 50 requests have been made for the mini photoshoots.

I love being able to capture those moments between families, between kids and parents. Of course, I love kids, Scott said.

It was supposed to be just a fun thing to do to get people out of their homes for a few minutes but to the families, the photos mean so much more.

Michele Morris and Brandon Clark had their photos taken by Scott.

He's 13 and I'm not going to have but a few more years before he's gone and I'm trying to just really enjoy every moment, Morris said.

Scott is putting her photography skills to use while snapping family porch-raits from a distance as the state remains under a stay-at-home order.

To see the smile on a lot of these families faces has been so awesome and so fun, Scott explained.

For families, the laughs and smiles shared during the mini photoshoots will be a happy memory to take away from a time of uncertainty.

A lot of stress and then the worry of keeping everyone safe, keeping everyone healthy and it just kind of takes your mind off of that a little bit, Alicia Baxter said.

It just seemed like something fun to do, something to kind of make us smile and break the monotony of being in the house, Morris said.

Ronna Green said she will look back on the photos and always remember the time spent with family and the kindness of a neighbor.

The first thing Ill remember from the photos is the generosity of the photographer, the idea that she had to give families this opportunity, Green said. That's probably most important because I feel like in times like this, it's what we do for each other, to help and support each other.

That matters most a picture-perfect sense of community during a global pandemic.

That's made me really happy, being able to see the joy in other people's faces just from getting their pictures taken for a few minutes, Scott said.

More:
Mountain House photographer takes family porch-raits to lift spirits during the coronavirus pandemic - FOX40

Buffalo-area residents are being urged to keep an eye open for their package deliveries, before those deliveries disappear from their porches and steps.

Buffalo Police are seeing an uptick in packages stolen from porches, based on daily briefings with Buffalo Police Department chiefs, according to Buffalo Police Capt. Jeff Rinaldo.

He said this is in part because people are leaving their package deliveries on their front porches longer because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"People are leaving things outside on the porch longer, probably because they're concerned with the package and are trying to let it air out. But the flip side of that is they're making it more attractive for somebody that has ill-intentions," Rinaldo said.

Even though a stolen package was reported to City of Tonawanda Police earlier this week by a resident who provided officers with home surveillance video of the theft, City of Tonawanda Police Capt. Fredrick Foels said his department has not seen an increase in package larcenies since the outbreak. That's despite the fact that more people are home during the day since the pandemic.

"I don't think thieves care, or not, if people are home. They will take the chance if they see ... packages are left on door steps," Foels said.

He noted that such larcenies are performed relatively quickly, which Foels said was the case in the most recent such theft in the City of Tonawanda.

"The thief ran from his car, plucked the package and quickly exited. Unattended packages left for a period of time is a crime of opportunity for any thief," Foels added.

Buffalo Police are reminding residents to check periodically if they are expecting the delivery of a package and bring it inside soon after it arrives.

"We would still recommend to people to take the packages into their homes as soon as possible," Rinaldo said.

If possible, he suggested letting a neighbor know they have a package delivery on their porch or temporarily take possession of the package until they get home to minimize the chance of it getting stolen.

"Be a good neighbor and take the package," Rinaldo said.

Read more:
Buffalo Police report uptick in porch package thefts - Buffalo News

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Planters on the porch - KCTV Kansas City

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE On Romney Place on Friday night, neighbors gathered on the front lawn of one of the historic houses in this quiet neighborhood, joking and checking in with each other.

The weather had warmed that evening, so it would not have been unusual for those walking their dogs to stop and chat or to call out a hello to someone on a front porch. But these are far from usual times.

Those gathered carefully, if somewhat self-consciously, kept a 6-foot distance from their neighbors at Middle Townships first Friday Night Front Porch Social (Distancing) Hour, proposed as a way to keep community connections strong while adhering to guidelines enacted to blunt the spread of COVID-19.

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE With COVID-19 infections continuing to climb statewide, Cape May Coun

Mayor Timothy Donohue proposed the idea on the community Facebook page Middle Township Coronavirus Info Group, suggesting people throughout the township go out on their front porches starting at 6 p.m.

While we should be physically distancing, we need to remain the vibrant, sharing, caring community that makes Middle Township so great, he wrote. Grab your favorite beverage and safely gather with your fellow shelter-in-placers.

He suggested greeting neighbors from a safe distance and raising a glass, and then sharing images and videos to social media. Several neighbors posted images and greetings even before the suggested start time of 6 p.m.

Residents posted photos of themselves, often with their dogs, either on lawns or porches.

They included Township Committeeman Ike Gandy and his family on their front stoop.

People in several neighborhoods throughout the township turned out.

On Poplar Avenue, Tammy Scull and her daughter Briana said they heard about the plan from their neighbors across the street, Bill and Tracey Labrum, who heard about it from their friend from around the corner, Beth Metzger, who saw it on Facebook.

Tracey Labrum is the director of the early education center at Cape Regional Medical Center. The center is usually open to the community, but under the current restrictions it only serves the children of essential personnel at the hospital. She said she is glad to be able to help the front-line medical workers, calling them heroes.

God bless the nurses and doctors, she said.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The township is making the most of the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

The Poplar Avenue neighbors waved at each other from across the narrow street.

Nearby, on Romney Place, Peggy Mauger had her dog, Tonto, out for a walk and stopped by to speak with Connie Corrado and other neighbors. She said the neighborhood is filled with historic houses and has a strong sense of community, where neighbors know each others names.

Corrado was on her porch with her grandson, Nate, 8. Gail Tweed, another neighbor, left her porch to be able to speak with the others without shouting, but said she would keep the recommended distance.

She said she spent much of her day sewing masks for oncology patients where her daughter works. She said quilting groups and other organizations have organized to make protective gear.

Face masks, gloves and other supplies have been in short supply since the start of the outbreak.

With more than 13,000 cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey including nine in Cape May County, by the states count, and three in Middle Township, according to the county federal and state officials have imposed strict measures aimed at slowing the infection rate.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP Police on Thursday notified residents that out-of-state cars parked at a t

That has included closing schools and most other gathering places and shutting nonessential businesses, measures expected to be in place for weeks at least.

But, at least for one night in Middle Township, neighbors left the light on for each other.

Read the rest here:
Middle Township porch parties aimed at keeping neighborhood connections safely - Press of Atlantic City

EJ Dougher, known as EJ The DJ, plays music on his back yard patio at his West Scranton home on Monday, March 30, 2020. With his DJ schedule cleared for the month due to COVID-19, Dougher broadcasts a live stream dance party every afternoon on Facebook Live.Christopher Dolan / Staff Photographer

Unable to work during the coronavirus pandemic, EJ Dougher still manages to get thousands of people on their feet and dancing.

Now should be the start of the busy season for the West Scranton DJ, known as EJ the DJ. But, with weddings postponed and the school events for which he often provides music canceled, Dougher still wanted to reach an audience.

Each day, he sets up his equipment, wears his signature hat and hosts live dance parties on Facebook, from his party porch.

I thought if I could get everyone up and dancing for one hour, it would be great, he said. They forget about whats going on.

Family, friends and complete strangers say they do just that: enjoy the music from their homes, without worrying about the outbreak.

Dougher mentions birthdays and anniversaries and highlights local businesses that remain open, or businesses that people can support by buying gift certificates. His live videos are often viewed 4,000 times or more.

His wife, Penny, acts as producer, and daughters Olivia, 16, and McCae, 19, make dance party appearances too.

Its been cool, Olivia said. Its hard for him with his job, not being able to do anything. ... Its been nice to see my dad happy.

McCae thought the dance parties would just reach some of her dads friends, not people from around the world.

Its a good way to spread positivity, especially in times like this, she said.

Contact the writer:

shofius@timesshamrock.com;

570-348-9133;

@hofiushallTT on Twitter

Editors note: As Northeast Pennsylvania deals with the coronavirus, residents continue to help their neighbors and serve others. Let us know about the good things happening in our communities by sending an email to the newsroom at shofius@timesshamrock.com or calling us at 570-348-9133.

More here:
Party porch brings smiles and dancing to NEPA - Scranton Times-Tribune

"I just thought it would be so nice to do something to tell the community, 'Hey, we're still here, we're still altogether,'" DeRosa said before pausing and becoming choked up. "Even though it's so hard."

Smith's' family was DeRosa's first session. The teacher visited Smith, Jacob and her children, Marley Foltz, 10, Robert Foltz, 8, and Hagan Smith, 10 months, around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Smith said her family has largely been inside recently, so the session gave them a much-needed break from the home-bound monotony and allowed Smith to do some decorating, as she put a wreath in the background of her porch. She said they bought their house in late September last year so she wanted to "hang a big picture up." Smith said her family was appreciative of DeRosa's efforts.

"I just love her for this, and I think a lot of other people do too," Smith said.

DeRosa stressed she does not want to be paid for this and added she will be accepting donations at some point, but hasn't decided where she wants the money to go.

She talked about what keeps her balancing being a mother of three children and creating lessons for her school children and driving across Auburn for photos.

"The ability to bring happiness to others, everybody needs it right now," she said. "We need something to look forward to, we need something to make us happy."

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

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Positivity on the porch: Auburn teacher photographs families during COVID-19 pandemic - The Citizen