How to Prevent Package Theft: Tips and Smart Home Security Solutions

Every year, millions of packages are stolen from doorsteps across the country. According to a Capital One Shopping study, Americans lost an estimated $16 billion to porch piracy in 2023, with the average stolen delivery valued at about $133.

The good news: package theft is preventable. With the right combination of delivery strategies, secure storage options, and smart home security, you can safeguard your deliveries and protect your peace of mind.

Why Package Theft Happens

Porch piracy isn’t random. It happens under conditions that make packages vulnerable:

• Unattended deliveries: Many packages arrive when homes are empty.
  
• Easy porch access: Visible packages in open areas are quick grab-and-go opportunities.
  
• Few deterrents: Only about 46% of households use cameras to monitor deliveries, making homes look like low-risk targets.
  
• More deliveries than ever: With U.S. online sales surpassing $1 trillion in 2024, there are more packages left on doorsteps than ever before.

Simple Delivery Adjustments

You don’t always need fancy technology to protect deliveries. Small changes to how packages arrive can reduce theft risk:

• Schedule deliveries when you’re home so packages aren’t left unattended.
  
• Require a signature to ensure items aren’t left on the porch.
  
• Leave delivery instructions so packages go to a hidden spot, side yard, or garage.
  
• Ship to an alternative address, such as a workplace or a trusted neighbor.
  

In fact, 57% of consumers say they intentionally stay home for deliveries at least some of the time to protect their orders.

Secure Package Solutions

If you can’t be home, secure drop-off options can protect your deliveries until you arrive:

• Package lock boxes: Provide a locked compartment for deliveries. They keep boxes out of sight and secured until you retrieve them.
  
• Amazon Lockers and pickup counters: Thousands of nationwide locations offer safe alternatives for frequent Amazon orders.
  
• Delivery alerts: Real-time text and email notifications help you know exactly when a package arrives. Nearly 9 in 10 consumers track packages in transit to cut theft risk.

Technology to Deter Porch Pirates

Visible technology discourages theft and provides evidence if it happens:

• Video doorbell cameras let you monitor your porch, talk to visitors, and record activity. Over 26 million U.S. households now use video doorbells, and adoption continues to grow.
  
• Motion detectors and smart lighting can startle thieves and reduce nighttime theft attempts.

Still, cameras work best when combined with other security layers. In the Capital One Shopping study, 38% of consumers doubted that cameras deterred thieves, yet 22% of victims already had a doorbell camera installed, showing the importance of layered protection.

Insurance and Backup Options

Even with the best precautions, packages may still go missing. That’s when insurance and refund policies step in:

• Retailer and carrier claims: In 45% of cases, victims receive a replacement; 32% get a refund. But 1 in 4 never get reimbursed.
  
• Credit card purchase protection: Some cards include coverage for stolen items.
  
• Homeowners or renters insurance: May cover theft of deliveries, though coverage limits vary.

Insurance helps, but theft prevention saves you more time and frustration.

Keep Your Deliveries Safe

Package theft may be one of the fastest-growing property crimes, but it doesn’t have to affect you. By combining smarter delivery habits, secure drop-off solutions, and advanced home security, you can protect your packages and enjoy peace of mind.

When you’re ready to take the next step, Guardian Protection can help you build a layered defense against porch pirates. Request a quote today.