Porch pirates expected to strike after Black Friday, Cyber Monday

LOS ANGELES – Nearly all Americans will have packages delivered in the 2023 holiday season, and half say they are worried about those packages getting stolen by porch pirates.

During some of the busiest shopping times of the year, 78 percent of Americans expect porch pirates or package thieves to strike more after the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Lombardo Homes.

The survey asked Americans about their experience with package theft. It shows 34 percent have had a delivery stolen. Of those who experienced package theft, 54 percent were victimized during the holiday season.

The survey shows 94 percent of Americans plan on having packages delivered this holiday season, and 50 percent are worried about porch pirates. In fact, 39 percent say they are more worried this year than previous years.

Porch pirates target delivered packages expecting they may contain valuable merchandise. They likely hope that small packages contain expensive items that can be resold, such as phones, video game systems, sound systems or computers, according to home security specialist ADT.

Tips for protecting your packages from porch pirates

There are many ways to prevent porch piracy, including tracking the delivery process. Other ways to prevent package theft include staying home to receive the package, signing up for delivery alerts, installing a doorbell camera or security system or sending the package to a different location.

Here are some tips from ADT for protecting your packages from porch pirates:

Pay for a package receiving service

Major delivery companies offer lockers you can rent. You typically pay a monthly fee to have access to a locker where you can have your packages delivered.

Require a signature

You can often check off “signature required” when checking out during online shopping. This can work well if you are often home in order to sign for your packages.

Ask that the package be left out of plain view

You can let the delivery driver know the best spot to leave a package. It can be good to establish a delivery spot that is obscured from view by other objects or landscaping.

Have USPS packages held at your Post Office

You can have your package delivery held at the local Post Office. That way, they are protected until you are able to retrieve them and bring them home yourself.

Install a home security system

Having a home security system is one of the best ways to scare away would-be invaders and thieves. These can include features like motion detectors, 24/7 monitoring, yard signs and more.

Use a security camera

Consider installing a security camera near your front door. This is the best way to catch a package thief, as you have evidence that you can provide to law enforcement. You might also consider using a doorbell camera positioned in a place where you can see anyone approaching your doorway.

Install motion detector lights

Thieves hope that they can slip in and out unseen. When you have motion detector lights, there’s a good chance they will get spooked away when the lights come on.

Get to know the delivery people

There’s a good chance that some of the same delivery people are frequently stopping by your home. Get to know the delivery people in your area and become friendly with them.

Network with neighbors

If package theft has been an ongoing problem in your neighborhood, you might consider collaborating with your neighbors. You and the other property owners around you might decide to look out for strangers in the neighborhood. Additionally, you might agree to keep an eye on deliveries at each other’s home.

Upgrade your mailbox

Another option is getting a lockbox to replace your current mailbox. It can be used for both regular mail and packages.

Have your packages delivered to your workplace

One way to avoid porch pirates is to get your packages delivered to your workplace.