CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — They're called porch pirates, patio thieves and when it comes to the holidays -- the Grinch.
If you have ever had a package stolen from your front porch you probably know the frustration that comes along with it.
Along with several Texas laws that went into effect September 1, stiffening the punishment for these criminals can now turn a Class A Misdemeanor into a felony charge. The District Attorney's Office said they will do whatever it takes to stop them.
"The way the law reads, is it criminalizes people who are stealing mail or packages. Anything that is delivered by a common carrier to a person's premises," First Assistant District Attorney Matt Manning said. "It can be from a Class A Misdemeanor all the way up to a felony."
The charge depends on how many items were stolen and who they targeted, including the disabled or the elderly.
Those convicted can face up to ten years behind bars and pay hefty fines in the thousands.
Manning said the bottom line is he wants people in town to have peace that they will be receiving their packages, especially this holiday season.
"If you are taking things off of people's porches that they are ordering for their loved ones during the holidays to enjoy the holidays," Manning said. "Then we are going to do what we can to hold you accountable. This -- like any other offense -- is one that needs to be prosecuted and one that we will gladly shoulder the burden on."