LANSING (WWJ) - Legislation signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will crack down "porch pirates" in Michigan.

Republican Sen. Peter Lucido, who sponsored of one of the bills, says the problem of mail theft has been skyrocketing in the state.

“As more of us rely on online retailers for purchases, the likelihood that our packages may get stolen from our mailboxes and porches is also increasing,” said Lucido, of Shelby Township. “It was time to do something to crack down on these porch pirates and fraudsters who are preying on our hard-earned purchases and other deliveries. I thank the governor for her support in signing this important legislation.”

Senate Bill 23, sponsored by Sen. Jim Runestad, and SB 24, sponsored by Lucido, create state penalties for stealing mail or packages that are left in or near a mailbox.

If convicted, perpetrators face a misdemeanor charge punishable by one year in jail and a $500 fine for the first offense, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $1,000 fine for a second offense, and 10 years and $2,000 thereafter.

Additionally, it is a felony punishable by up to five years' imprisonment or a maximum fine of $1,000, or both, for those convicted of mail theft with the intent to commit fraud.

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