How Safe Are You From Holiday Package Theft?

‘Tis the Season for Porch Pirates

Online shopping has become a core part of how Americans buy, not just a late‑night convenience. U.S. e‑commerce now consistently accounts for roughly the mid‑teens share of total retail sales, structurally higher than pre‑pandemic levels, and it peaks during the holidays as people lean on fast shipping and pickup options. That shift has expanded access and flexibility for shoppers with limitations in vision, hearing, mobility, or memory, and it’s increasingly mobile‑first. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Adobe Digital Economy/holiday insights, Worldpay Global Payments Report.

But as would‑be presents pile up on doorsteps, porch pirates are on the prowl. Consumer surveys in 2024 indicate that around 35%–45% of Americans say they’ve had a package stolen at least once, and roughly the low‑to‑mid teens report a theft in the most recent months/year, with typical losses of about $80–$120 per incident. Risk spikes in November–December as deliveries surge, and several Western/Sun Belt metros rank among the highest for porch piracy. Meanwhile, tens of billions of parcels ship annually in the U.S., magnifying exposure during peak season. See Security.org, C+R Research, SafeWise, and Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index.

In This Article

• Facts and stats
• Tools to avoid package theft
• What to do if your package is stolen
• Alternatives to traditional gifting

Facts and Stats

More home deliveries during the holidays mean more opportunity for theft. While the National Retail Federation and other trackers monitor seasonal retail trends, current consumer surveys show porch piracy remains widespread: approximately 35%–45% of U.S. adults report having a package stolen at least once, and roughly the mid‑teens report theft within the most recent months/year. Typical reported losses cluster around $80–$120 per stolen package, and concern and incidents rise in November–December. See the latest from industry analyses, plus updated statistics from Security.org and C+R Research. Delivery volumes remain in the tens of billions annually, per Pitney Bowes.

People who have had their packages stolen know the frustration. A survey from Reviews.com echoed what newer nationwide studies continue to find: many Americans have been victimized at least once, repeat thefts are common, and not everyone recovers the full value through refunds or replacements. Recent reports estimate lifetime prevalence around 35%–45% and typical per‑incident losses of about $80–$120; concern and incidents concentrate in the holiday months. For updated figures and prevention tips, see Security.org, C+R Research, and Consumer Reports.

Tools to Avoid Package Theft

Being aware and prepared is the best way to combat package theft. The highest‑impact step is to avoid leaving packages unattended: ship to a secure pickup point (Amazon Hub Locker/Counter, UPS Access Point, or a staffed FedEx/USPS location), require a signature for higher‑value items, or schedule delivery for when someone is home. Carrier tools make this easier: USPS Informed Delivery, UPS My Choice, and FedEx Delivery Manager let you track, redirect, hold, or authorize deliveries. If you work in an office or have a trusted neighbor, shipping there can also reduce exposure.

Just add a note to Amazon in the “delivery instructions” section of your order and they will gladly hide your package exactly where you want it.

But what do you do if these options don’t work for you? Don’t worry, you’re not out of luck yet! Created by forward thinkers, there is a line of benches and boxes that are available solely to sit on your porch and  hide your packages from view. Just add concise delivery instructions (carriers and retailers support these in their apps) so drivers know where to place packages out of sight. For carriers like UPS or FedEx, you’ll have to coordinate in advance where you’d like your packages left. If you don’t have room on your porch for hide-away furniture, there are reinforced nylon package bags available that can be secured to your front door or railing. If none of that sounds like you, the various smart options allow you to pick and choose what will work best with your lifestyle. 

Amazon Key

Available for many homes, Amazon’s secure in‑garage delivery option helps keep packages out of sight by allowing a one‑time, time‑boxed drop inside your garage when you’re not home (eligible Prime addresses with compatible garage openers). Some households also pair delivery with a smart lock and an indoor or doorbell security camera for visibility. You’ll get estimated delivery windows and real‑time alerts, and access is automatically revoked after the drop.

Smart doorbell

With smartphone app connectivity, smart doorbells come equipped with 180-degree cameras to capture your porch and surrounding areas on video. In addition, the high-quality cameras of smart doorbells are now capable of on‑device person/package detection, motion zones, and quick alerts. Independent testers note that performance and privacy defaults vary by model; choose one with reliable detection and fast notifications (Wirecutter, Consumer Reports). These cameras can capture porch pirates in the act and aid reporting. 

Package Guard

WiFi enabled, Package Guard is a weighted package sensor that alerts you via text if your packages have been moved. In the event someone does move your package, a loud alarm will sound that can only be turned off through the app. Along with a loud alarm, Package Guard is equipped to send multiple notifications to anyone you select. Also, you don’t have to worry about how much it can handle: This frisbee-shaped device can accommodate up to 400 pounds.

Package lockers

Though it slightly dampens the extreme convenience online shopping offers, package lockers are an excellent way to keep your packages secure and off-limits to porch pirates. One option available is the Amazon Locker. While it does require a trip to pick up your package from a specific location, Amazon Locker doesn’t require you to drop everything and dash across town. You are able to pick up your package up to 3 business days after delivery. Learn more about Amazon Hub Locker/Counter. 

Another package locker line is the UPS Access Point Delivery system. Available 24 hours a day, these lockers are completely self-service and easy to use. You can search the lockers by tracking number, InfoNotice® left by the driver or the My Choice® notification that can be found in your email or the app. You then authorize pickup for your package by scanning your driver’s license or government-issued ID barcode or by sending authorization code to your mobile phone. Details: UPS Access Point.

BoxLock

If you don’t want to worry about making it to the package lockers within the time frame required, you can always invest in your very own locker on your porch. The BoxLock smart padlock is designed to scan your expected packages and unlock your storage box for the courier to place inside. It’s just that easy!

What to Do If Your Package Is Stolen

You’ve checked your tracking number, once, twice and a third time and it says your package was delivered. But you can’t find it. Before you worry, first look around and make sure your courier didn’t opt to tuck your package away from sight. If it isn’t in any of the usual spots, next check with neighbors or anyone who could have accepted the package while you were away. If you have a doorbell camera, pull the timestamps and clips.

Then act quickly: contact the seller first and report the issue; many retailers and marketplaces will reship or refund when items don’t arrive, and the FTC’s Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule strengthens your position for nondelivery. File a theft report with local police and with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (especially if USPS was involved); camera footage and neighbor confirmations help. Know that carriers typically limit liability after a delivery scan, so post‑delivery theft is often excluded. If the seller won’t resolve it and you didn’t receive the goods, you can also pursue a credit card dispute under the Fair Credit Billing Act. Homeowners/renters insurance may cover theft above your deductible; check your policy (Insurance Information Institute).

Amazon: The easiest path is often through the seller or Amazon’s marketplace guarantees; report missing items promptly in your account. Amazon evaluates proof of delivery and may refund or reship when items aren’t received. For policy context, see Amazon’s A‑to‑z Guarantee. Note that theft after a confirmed delivery scan isn’t always covered; prevention (lockers, signatures) improves outcomes.

FedEx: You can file a claim for loss or damage; prompt notice is required, with final claim deadlines typically within nine months for loss. Liability generally ends after delivery (especially where release/signature rules were met). For details, see the FedEx Service Guide: Claims and use Delivery Manager to reroute or hold packages before delivery.

UPS: If your package was shipped with UPS, you can initiate a claim for loss or damage; UPS investigates and typically issues refunds to the sender when warranted. However, carrier liability usually ends once delivery is completed to the address. For terms and exclusions, consult the current UPS Tariff/Terms, and use UPS My Choice to redirect or hold deliveries proactively.

USPS: Claims are available for insured/eligible services when loss occurs before delivery. If tracking shows “Delivered,” post‑delivery theft is generally excluded. Filing and documentation requirements are laid out in DMM 609 (Indemnity Claims). Consider USPS Informed Delivery to monitor and manage packages in advance.

After a claim has been filed with the carrier, you should contact the seller and ask them to follow up on your package. Feel free to refer them to the police report you filed if any additional evidence is required on their end. If the issue is nondelivery, the FTC’s rules require sellers to ship on time or refund; you can also use credit card protections if a merchant won’t resolve a missing order. Ultimately, merchants/marketplaces decide on refunds or reshipments, so it’s always best to contact the seller directly.

Alternatives to Traditional Gifting

Package theft is abundant. At best, it’s a headache and at worst, it can eat away at the holiday budget you worked so hard to save for. Spending that money on alternatives to physical gifts is one way to ensure that thieves don’t steal your holiday cheer — and many of these alternatives line up with how people actually want to celebrate now (experiences, flexibility, and sustainability).

Charitable giving

More and more people are finding that dropping the pressure of material goods for gifts makes the holidays that much more special. Donating to a charity is a significant alternative to traditional gifting that helps more than just your family. It’s a great opportunity to talk about what organizations they support and which one they would most like the donation to go towards. 

• Home For Our Troops is a publicly funded non-profit that’s a great option if you have a veteran on your gift list. 
• If you are interested in donating in a more tangible way, you can adopt a family for the holidays through numerous national and area-specific programs.
• You could also contribute to Toys For Tots. Everything from food, household essentials, and toys are welcome and always greatly appreciated.
• A lesser-known charitable option is the Angel Tree Christmas program, which provides gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated, and who may be feeling a little extra lonesome this holiday season.

Gifting a getaway

Another way to shake things up this year is by gifting an experience. Who doesn’t like adventures? No matter how short or close to home, you can gift your whole family a vacation this year. Everything counts, from a trip to the zoo to a special night out or hot air balloon ride, gifting experiences is a fun way to start family traditions or create lasting memories. Consumer surveys and live‑event results show ongoing demand for experiences as gifts (Deloitte, Live Nation).

Subscriptions 

If you still want to give something they can hold in their hands, consider one of the many services and box subscriptions available nowadays. Options like Candy Club or Book of the Month are a great way to hone in on what’s really special about the recipient and send a gift that keeps on giving! You decide how many months you want to delight them with a curated box of their interests. Digital gift cards and “gift links” (which let recipients choose) are also growing fast and are the most requested gifts among U.S. consumers (NRF; Blackhawk Network). 

Shopping for friends and family can sometimes feel like an unsurpassable challenge, even without the added worry of package theft. These alternatives relieve some of the stress and make sure your gifts are always a welcomed surprise! Don’t let the fear of package theft or getting the wrong thing get the best of you this season, shop to your heart’s desire.