Porch Pirates: How to Stop Package Theft This Year

Millions of packages are stolen from porches every year — and thieves don't need skill, just a car and an eye for unattended boxes.

1 min read

brown cardboard box beside white wooden door
brown cardboard box beside white wooden door

Millions of packages are stolen from porches every year — and thieves don't need skill, just a car and an eye for unattended boxes.

Why it's so easy for them: delivery drivers are on tight schedules, many packages don't require signatures, and a visible box through a glass door is an advertisement.

Fight back with these layers:

1. Require a signature on anything valuable. An unsigned package is an unattended package.

2. Use pickup points. Amazon Lockers, UPS Access Points, and carrier-held delivery make theft impossible — the package never touches your porch.

3. Install a camera at the front door. It won't always stop a thief, but footage plus doorbell alerts lets you act fast — and helps police identify repeat offenders working your street. For a high-quality home security system check out this option from SimpliSafe: https://amzn.to/4yErQp5

4. Give delivery instructions. "Place behind the planter" or "inside the side gate" removes the porch from the equation entirely.

5. Recruit the neighbor. A package on their porch, brought in within the hour, is a package thieves never see.

6. Never leave a note for drivers like "leave at back door" — you're also notifying anyone else who reads it.

For businesses: repeated package and freight theft is a different problem entirely. Loading docks and mailrooms need actual access control — logged entry, camera coverage, and procedures — not just a camera.

Dealing with repeat theft at a home, apartment complex, or business? Our team designs security plans that target exactly where your property is leaking — contact us for a free assessment.