How to Stop Porch Pirates From Stealing Your Packages

Package theft, often called "porch piracy," is a fast-growing problem. According to the 2025 SafeWise U.S. Package Theft Report, an estimated 104 million packages were taken from doorsteps nationwide in a single year — about 248,000 every day — with a total cost to consumers of nearly $15 billion. The average stolen package was worth about $143.

The good news is that most of this is preventable, and it does not require expensive equipment. One finding from the same report stands out: 98% of stolen packages were visible from the street. That single fact points to the most effective fix — get packages out of sight, or get someone to grab them before a thief does.

You do not need a full security system to cut your risk dramatically. A combination of a few free or low-cost habits — tracking deliveries, choosing pickup points, and asking a neighbor to watch for boxes — closes most of the opportunity a porch pirate looks for. If you want a bit more protection, a video doorbell in the $60–$100 range covers the rest.

Report any theft to your local police non-emergency line and to the retailer — most major retailers, including Amazon, will replace or refund a package confirmed stolen after delivery, especially with photo or video evidence.

(Sources: SafeWise 2025 U.S. Package Theft Report — safewise.com; Federal Communications Commission consumer guidance — fcc.gov)