How to Cope with Porch Pirates — Keep Your Packages Safe This Holiday Season

Millions of Americans have had a package taken from their doorstep — a crime so common it now has its own nickname: “porch piracy.” Estimates vary widely, from about 58 million to 120 million stolen packages each year, but one number is clear: these thefts are costly. Security.org estimates Americans lost more than $12 billion in 2024 to stolen deliveries.

With online shopping and home delivery booming, the holiday season is prime time for porch pirates. The good news: there are practical, low-risk steps you can take to reduce your odds of becoming a victim and to recover your losses if theft happens.

What to do if a package is stolen

1. Avoid confrontation. Don’t chase or confront a thief. Personal safety matters far more than replacing an item.
2. Document from a safe distance. If you can do so without risk, take photos or videos of the thief, their vehicle, or the license plate. Record the time, date, and any details you notice.
3. Call the police. File a police report — it creates an official record and may help if the item is recovered or for insurance claims.
4. Contact the retailer or delivery service. Report the theft to the company that shipped the package. Many retailers and carriers have policies for stolen deliveries and may refund or replace items, especially if you have proof of delivery or a police report.
5. Tell your neighbors and local groups. Alert neighbors, homeowner associations, or neighborhood social apps so others can be on the lookout and take precautions.

Ways to prevent porch piracy

• Use video surveillance. A security camera or video doorbell is one of the strongest deterrents. Visible cameras make thieves think twice and provide evidence if a theft occurs.
• Require a signature or use locked drop-offs. For valuable items, select delivery options that require signatures or choose a lockbox that only you or the courier can open.
• Redirect deliveries. Ship to your workplace, a trusted neighbor, or to a pickup locker (many carriers offer secure locker delivery locations).
• Schedule deliveries for when someone is home. Many carriers allow you to choose a delivery window or reschedule.
• Use delivery instructions. Ask the driver to hide packages in a less visible spot—by a back door, side porch, or behind a plant—if that’s safe in your setting.
• Get packages sent to secure pickup points. Retailers and carriers often partner with stores or locker networks where you can pick up deliveries on your schedule.
• Install a lockbox. For frequent deliveries, a parcel drop box with a keyed or electronic lock can prevent theft while still allowing carriers to leave packages.
• Join or start a neighborhood watch. Community vigilance helps deter repeat offenders and spreads useful alerts quickly.

What retailers and carriers can—and often do—help with

Many retailers have customer-friendly policies for stolen packages. If you provide proof of theft (surveillance footage, a police report, or a clear delivery confirmation showing the package was left), companies often offer refunds, replacements, or help filing a claim with the carrier. Keep records of communications and make note of any case or claim numbers.

Final tips

• Treat porch piracy like a risk you can manage. Layering a few simple steps — video, delivery instructions, and redirecting high-value items — greatly lowers your chance of loss.
• Balance convenience and security. If you receive a lot of deliveries, small changes (using lockers, holding packages for pickup, or installing a lockbox) are worth the effort.
• Teach family members and roommates the plan. Make sure everyone in the home knows how to handle deliveries and who is responsible for checking cameras or retrieving packages.

Porch piracy is frustrating, but it’s not inevitable. With a few proactive habits and community awareness, you can protect your deliveries and enjoy the convenience of online shopping without the heartbreak of losing a package to theft.