An Alabama state senator will sponsor a bill to crack down on theft of items delivered to homes, an effort to stop offenders known as “porch pirates.”

Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, said her bill would amend Alabama’s theft law to target the act of knowingly obtaining or exerting “unauthorized control over any item mailed or shipped to another person, with intent to deprive the intended recipient of his or her property.”

Weaver said that despite safeguards like video doorbells and home security systems, theft of delivered items is a growing problem. The U.S. Postal Service has said people should consider larger capacity mailboxes in response to high levels of package theft.

“The Grinches among us are still trying to steal Christmas, but perhaps a 20-year prison sentence in Alabama will give their hearts plenty of time to grow three sizes,” Weaver said in a press release.

Under existing Alabama law, the penalties for theft of property are based on the value of items stolen.

Theft of property valued at more than $2,500 is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years.

Theft of items valued from $1,500 to $2,500 is a Class C felony, punishable, by to one to 10 years of incarceration. Thefts of items worth between $500 and $1,499 is a Class D felony, punishable by one to five years. Theft of items with of $500 of less is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year of incarceration. Weaver said 11 other states have passed porch piracy laws – Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

Weaver introduced the same bill last year, but it did not advance.

The legislative session starts Feb. 4.

Alabama and national politics.