ATLANTA — Two juveniles are recovering after they were shot during a confrontation with a homeowner who police say caught them allegedly stealing packages from a front porch in southwest Atlanta.

Atlanta police responded to a townhome community on Celeste Lane after reports of shots fired. Officers found two juveniles suffering from gunshot wounds. Police say the homeowner admitted to shooting the teens, and investigators are now working to determine whether the shooting was justified or if charges will be filed.

“Anytime a child is injured in our city, we’re going to take that seriously,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.

Both teens were taken to the hospital. One 15-year-old was shot in the foot. The second juvenile was shot in the arm and was transported in critical condition, where police say the teen underwent surgery. Both are expected to recover.

Chief Schierbaum said investigators believe the shooting happened during a property crime involving packages taken from a front porch, something he noted is common this time of year.

While the investigation continues, police are reassuring residents in the area that there is no ongoing danger.

“We are going to remain present with them, but we can assure that there is no continued threat to this neighborhood,” Schierbaum said. He added that officers are continuing to reassure neighbors in the townhome community.

The incident highlights the growing issue of porch piracy, particularly during the holiday season as more people shop online. A national survey from Insurify shows 46 percent of respondents say they have been targeted by porch thieves, and 32 percent report being victimized more than once each year. Rankings from SafeWise place Georgia as having the eighth-highest rate of porch thefts in the nation.

SafeWise research estimates nearly three million packages have been stolen in Georgia this year which equals to about 8,000 a day. Nationwide, an Inspector General’s report estimates more than 58 million packages were stolen in 2024, with losses valued between $5 billion and $16 billion.

Authorities say there are ways to help protect deliveries, including using lockboxes, installing security cameras, requiring signatures for deliveries, setting up delivery alerts, and asking a neighbor to hold packages when you are not home.

Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been announced against the homeowner or the two teens.