Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages delivered to someone else. They grab packages from porches, front steps, and apartment and home entrances. No, these thieves don’t wear eye patches or have parrots perched on their shoulders, but they do raid and loot like real pirates on the high seas.
Here are some fast facts:
- 44 million Americans have had a package within the last three months (source)
- In 2023, porch pirates stole more than 115 million packages, totaling an estimated $9 billion (source)
- The average value of a stolen package is $50 (source)
- Amazon packages make up 52% of all stolen packages (source)
- Clothing is the most stolen item (source)
- Porch piracy is most common in cities and suburban areas (source)
Because porch piracy is rampant in neighborhoods across the country, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to help ensure the safety of your packages.
Follow our porch pirate prevention plan to keep your packages out of the wrong hands.
Store Pick-Up
Many retailers will let you order a product online and have it delivered to their brick-and-mortar store. The store will notify you when the package is available and will hold onto it until you’re ready to retrieve it. Target, Apple, Home Depot, and Kohl’s are just a few of the many stores that offer this free service.
Alternative Address
Not at home during the day? Deliver your package to your workplace, so you are on-site when it arrives. Another option is to send it to a friend, family member, or neighbor’s house if you know they are usually home during the day.
Signature Upon Delivery
The “signature upon delivery” option with carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS requires the carrier to acquire your signature before leaving the package with you. This prevents your package from being left unattended because it’s delivered straight to your hands. If you’re not home at the delivery time, the carrier will leave a notice or attempt subsequent deliveries if they cannot obtain a “signature,” ultimately sending your package to a local facility for you to pick up at your convenience.
Delivery Instructions
Providing carriers with delivery instructions can help protect your packages. For instance, you could give them your gate code to leave your packages in a gated area or ask them to place them behind your shed so they’re out of sight. Sometimes, the easiest deterrent is simply making it more difficult for thieves to see and access your packages.
Secure Locations
Another option is to have your package shipped to a secure location. You may be able to send it to a FedEx location or ask your local post office to hold onto it for you. Those ordering through Amazon can have their packages sent to an Amazon Hub Locker for safekeeping. You can find these self-serve locations at local grocery stores, malls, and more.
Personal Boxes
Purchasing a P.O. box at your local post office is another easy way to keep your package safe. Send your packages straight to your P.O. box and swing by the post office when you have mail. Another route is to buy a high-tech lockbox for your front porch, which offers advanced locking features. Some have keypads, while others have digital padlocks or traditional keys.
Advanced Technology
Prefer a more tech-savvy plan? Install a doorbell camera that monitors and records activity on your porch. You can even post signs that warn your home is under surveillance. This can help dissuade thefts or potentially catch those in the act. Another option is investing in a package guard device or mailbox sensor that sounds an alarm and sends alerts to your phone if your package or mailbox is disturbed.
Know The Law
Though package thefts are often difficult to catch, states are enacting stricter legislation to discourage porch piracy. Porch piracy is now a felony in nine states, including Michigan, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Michigan and Texas have led the charge, creating bills that increase fines and jail time as punishment.
Unfortunately, package theft is a common problem, but following these precautions may help protect your items.
Contact us today to learn how our all-risk insurance may help further protect your shipments.
