It’s gift-giving season, presents are being wrapped and put under the tree, in a stocking or exchanged—that is, if they reach their destination. Although Santa is working hard, “porch pirates” may be working harder.
As gift-giving holidays and gatherings overtake many December calendars, purchases are being made, and many are from online retailers. As of September 2024, 70% of reported holiday shoppers purchase gifts from online-only retailers. While online shoppers may be avoiding long lines, crazy parking lots and crowded stores, they haven’t managed to avoid all the holiday shopping stress.
According to a United States Postal Service report, an estimated 58 million packages were stolen in the U.S. in 2024.
Online shoppers still have to face the stress of package thieves, otherwise known as “porch pirates.” The term porch pirate has been used to describe a person who steals packages from front porches before recipients can retrieve them.
According to a United States Postal Service report, an estimated 58 million packages were stolen in the U.S. in 2024.
During this time of year, neighborhood websites like Nextdoor are filled with the posts, photos and even videos of people quickly running to the front door of a home and taking packages from their porch. Unfortunately, even with a video there’s not much someone can do to get their package back.
Prevention is the best strategy for those who are expecting packages at their doorstep. Here are a few tips to avoid package theft this holiday season.
Use locker delivery opinions. Amazon and USPS offer a locker delivery option where the package is sent directly to a secured locker of your choice. These locker locations are either directly outside or inside of stores such as Whole Foods, Ross or Staples.
Although dealing with a crowded parking lot is necessary, knowing a gift is safely waiting to be picked up may be worth it.
If the retailer has a store location nearby, like Macy’s or Target, opt for an in-store pickup. Although dealing with a crowded parking lot is necessary, knowing a gift is safely waiting to be picked up may be worth it.
The most likely reason someone may not be home to receive a package is due to work. If so, send the package directly to the office. This way there’s a better chance the package will not have to sit alone anywhere and can get directly into the hands of the recipient.
Opting for tracking alerts at purchase can also help with knowing exactly when a package has arrived at its destination. That way even if the recipient isn’t available to retrieve it, a trusted neighbor or friend can pick it up so it’s not sitting on a porch for hours.
A quick and simple solution can be to create a space on the porch where a package will be out of the view of anyone on the street or sidewalk. Set up a few plants or even holiday decor to act as a visual shield to any snooping thefts. Make sure to include this in the instructions for delivery.
Giving the perfect gift is a wonderful experience, so this holiday be sure to know how to securely receive it.
