(a) As used in this Code section, the term dwelling has the same meaning as provided in Code Section 16-7-1.
(b) A person shall be guilty of the crime of porch piracy if such person takes, removes, or otherwise appropriates three or more envelopes, bags, packages, or other related articles of another person without the permission of such other person from the porch, steps, or immediate vicinity of any entrance or exit of a dwelling of three or more different mailboxes or addresses.
(c) A person who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor.