Picture this: you get a notification on your phone saying your package has arrived, but nothing is there as soon as you open the door. You look around outside, thinking it might be behind a bush or left with a neighbor, but the notification is clear, “Your package has been delivered.” So, what happened to the parcel? The only answer to this mystery is porch pirates.
If you are looking for a straightforward guide on how to stop package theft, you have come to the right place.
What Are Porch Pirates?
Porch pirates are individuals who steal packages delivered to a doorstep or porch. They often operate in plain sight and can strike quickly at any time. Many homeowners are unaware of what is happening until it is too late.
Over 30 percent of Americans have had their package stolen by porch thieves at least once in 2024, and it remains a growing problem today. The average stolen package is around $112.30, and American households lose $12 billion to porch pirates annually.
Why Package Theft Happens
People are becoming more aware of package theft, but these pirates continue to take packages straight from the doorstep. Why? There are a number of reasons why cases continue to rise:
It Is Easy
Package theft is a crime of opportunity, as a thief can simply walk up to an unattended parcel on the porch and walk away when the possibility presents itself.
This risk increases in apartments and flats, mainly due to high volumes of deliveries and easy access to lobbies where parcels are left. The same goes for residences without robust home security systems in Nashville.
Porch Pirates Know Packages Can Hold Treasure
Online shopping and deliveries have been the norm since the pandemic, meaning people can purchase almost anything online. For porch pirates, a random package from Amazon is like a blind box that could win them the mega jackpot.
Many package thieves take small parcels, hoping they contain valuable items, like smartphones, sound systems, collectibles, devices, video game consoles, and other expensive products or goods.
A Chance for Identity Theft
Porch pirates are not just swiping expensive goods; they also use the opportunity to dig through your personal information. Items like documents, checkbooks, and health-related goods can open doors for identity theft.
Stealing is Thrilling
Unfortunately, some individuals will steal for the thrill of the act. With how quickly they can swipe packages and disappear without attracting much attention, certain porch pirates do it for the adrenaline rush.
How Do I Stop Porch Pirates?
Porch pirates are relentless, but you can keep them away from your future deliveries in many ways. Through a combination of advanced technology and best practices, you can secure your packages and ensure that they are truly delivered to your hands:
Turn On Package Tracking
Delivery services like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and USPS offer tracking services to monitor the location of your package until it reaches your front door. This allows you to keep track of the location of your orders, from the distribution center to the truck, ensuring you know where it is going.
Some couriers allow you to include special instructions for the carrier if you are not home on the delivery date.
Request Confirmation
One of the best methods to foil porch pirates is to request confirmation. You can ask delivery services to request a signature upon delivery, reducing the chance of the package being left unattended.
Try Package-Receiving Services
What if you won’t be home during the delivery schedule? What if you are always at work?
Don’t fret; many carriers have options for package-receiving services. Package-receiving or parcel-forwarding services enable customers to have their packages delivered to a designated address rather than the home or office. Carriers partner with companies like Postal Annex to securely hold your package until you claim it.
Get a Lockbox
Delivery lockboxes are old but effective solutions to prevent package theft. You can instruct the delivery driver to safely drop the package inside the lockbox when you have a delivery. They can either open a slot using a key or input a unique combination you provided to the driver.
Since there is no visible package, porch pirates are much less likely to reach in and try a quick theft.
Use Residential Security Systems
Residential home security systems are effective deterrents against potential package theft. These systems are composed of different devices and advanced technologies designed to monitor, detect, and alarm:
- Security Cameras – Visible home security cameras can help prevent porch pirates from targeting your packages. After all, porch pirates caught on camera might get arrested, so they may not take the risk.
Some cameras have built-in alarm systems in Nashville, TN, that notify you when someone approaches your door and records suspicious activity.
- Mailbox Sensor – If you have been troubled by mail going missing, a mailbox camera can help. Hidden inside your camera, these devices begin capturing and recording footage of whoever is opening your mailbox when they should not be.
What to do if Your Package is Stolen
If you suspect porch pirates have targeted your package, take these steps:
- Review Security Footage – save clips showing the theft if you have surveillance cameras.
- Ask the Neighbors – Sometimes, a well-meaning neighbor might have picked it up.
- Contact the Seller – Some retailers or sellers, like Amazon and Target, offer refunds for stolen packages.
- File a Claim – Contact the delivery service to file a theft claim.
- Report to the Police – Package theft is a growing crime that must be dealt with. Help reduce incidents by reporting them to your local police department.
Stop Porch Pirates in Their Tracks with the Best Residential Security System in Tennessee
Porch pirates are a pain, but you do not always have to put up with them. At Unlimited Security, we are dedicated to designing and providing effective security solutions to prevent all kinds of vulnerabilities, including package theft. Our all-around residential security camera installation ensures would-be thieves are detected and warned.
The Alarm Lady, Linda Stubblefield, is well-versed in delivering quality services with hands-on care, giving each residential or home security system her personal attention. With her passion and expertise, you can be certain you are in better hands to ensure the safety of your family and property.