Package Theft on the Rise in the United States

A doorbell rings. A notification lights up your phone. You check the front door. A package has arrived! Or so you hope.

Whether it's a Christmas present, household essentials for the family holiday party or tonight's takeout, Americans live in a world increasingly delivered to their doorsteps. 

And porch piracy — when a package is stolen right off someone's front steps in broad daylight — is also increasing, with thieves getting away with billions in goods since 2020. According to estimates from online guides SafeWise and Security.org, the number of stolen packages in the last 12 months alone ranges from 100-250 million in the United States, totaling anywhere between $6-20 billion.

But, that last couple of feet from the doorstep to inside your home is where the greatest risk of package theft from porch pirates can occur, experts say, and consumers should be prepared — especially as this year could set new holiday sales records for online shopping.

The United States parcel shipping industry has unsurprisingly boomed in the post-pandemic era. According to data compiled by shipping logistics analysts at Pitney-Bowes, 58 million packages per day were shipped to addresses across the country in 2022. That's 674 deliveries per second.

According to experts, determining the extent of the problem is extremely challenging. Ben Stickle, a professor of criminal justice at Middle Tennessee State University and an authority on package theft, stated that some state agencies and police jurisdictions do not differentiate between different types of theft, whether they are face-to-face robberies or porch pirates. Only eight states classify the crime itself as a felony.

"Much of our knowledge is based on consumer surveys, which have varying sample sizes," said Stickle. "Although new laws are being introduced to address package theft separately, enforcing these penalties is difficult." 

While technology and proactive measures from companies may increase awareness, Stickle mentioned that what was once an opportunistic crime has transformed into an organized black market of porch pirates who constantly come up with new ways to steal packages, including robbing delivery trucks.

"We are aware that stealing packages from vehicles has become more popular in recent years," said Master Corporal Lewis Briggs III of the Delaware State Police. "Our mission is to always keep the community safe and prevent these robberies at every stage of the transaction."

Local law enforcement, such as the police in Gloucester Township, New Jersey, have attempted to combat porch pirates by placing fake "bait" packages with GPS devices to track them down and remove them from the streets.

However, not all solutions have proven equally effective. Stickle stated that bait packages and doorbell video surveillance cameras, which are intended to catch package thieves in the act, have not provided evidence of preventing the crime.

Preventing Package Theft: Tips from Experts

With the rise of online shopping, package theft has become a major concern for both consumers and shipping companies. As the holiday season approaches, experts are offering advice on how to prevent package theft.

According to Stickle's research on video surveillance camera use, it seems that even with the presence of cameras, package thieves are not deterred. "Whether some conceal their identity, or others look directly at the camera, they still take the package," Stickle said. He believes that video footage only helps the police after the package has already been stolen, making it less effective as a deterrent.

In response to this growing problem, shipping companies like UPS are turning to new tools to prevent package theft. UPS is using artificial intelligence and analytics to identify high-risk deliveries and minimize the chances of loss throughout the entire shipping process. This innovative approach aims to address the challenges faced by the shipping industry, such as vehicle availability and driver vetting.

Industry analysts, including Pitney Bowes, acknowledge the difficulties faced by shipping companies during the holiday season due to the sheer volume of packages. Logistics issues, such as vehicle availability and driver vetting, can lead to unconventional delivery methods, such as rented U-Haul trucks. Stickle emphasizes that preventing package theft requires a collaborative effort from all parties involved, including consumers, retailers, distributors, and law enforcement.

Law enforcement agencies and experts have offered the following tips to help prevent package theft:

• Require a signature upon delivery to ensure that packages are not left unattended.
• Consider using a package delivery locker or a secure drop-off location if available.
• Opt for delivery to your workplace or a trusted neighbor who is home during the day.
• Track your packages using online tools provided by shipping companies to stay informed about delivery times.
• Install a video surveillance camera at your doorstep to capture any suspicious activity.
• Join a neighborhood watch program or create a community group to keep an eye out for package thieves.

• Requesting a signature requirement for a package to be delivered
• Scheduling a delivery time for when someone is home
• Asking a neighbor or community member to bring in any packages while you are away
• Using a smart locker or secure device for packages

Smart lockers are one of the most effective solutions to prevent package theft. They provide an additional barrier for thieves attempting to quickly snatch packages from doorsteps or apartment buildings. According to Stickle, it's time to reconsider the design of front porches, as they are increasingly becoming centers of commerce.

In addition to technological advancements, effective communication is key to staying alert in your neighborhood. Law enforcement officials recommend utilizing social media platforms like the NextDoor app to engage with your community and stay informed about local incidents.

As the holiday season approaches and billions of packages are shipped across the country, it is crucial to be aware of the risks posed by porch pirates. Implementing strategies such as requiring a signature for delivery, scheduling deliveries when someone is home, asking neighbors for assistance, or utilizing smart lockers can help ensure the safe delivery of packages to your home.