How to Foil Porch Pirates: Protecting Your Packages This Holiday Season and Beyond

With the rise of online shopping, one of the biggest conveniences of modern life—having packages delivered right to your doorstep—has come with an unfortunate downside: porch piracy. Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages that are left on doorsteps, porches, or entryways after delivery. This crime has grown exponentially, especially with the increase in home deliveries, and it’s not just a holiday issue; it’s an all-year-round problem.

In fact, one study found that 36% of Americans have had a package stolen from their porch at some point. With the holidays fast approaching and online shopping continuing to thrive, the risk of porch piracy only increases. However, there are several steps you can take to foil porch pirates and keep your packages safe. In this article, we’ll explore practical, effective strategies to protect your deliveries and prevent theft.

1. Install a Security Camera

One of the most effective ways to deter porch pirates is by installing a security camera. Security cameras serve as a visual deterrent, making thieves think twice before targeting your home. Even if they do attempt to steal a package, having a camera can provide critical evidence that can help identify the thief.

The most popular cameras for this purpose are video doorbell cameras, such as Ring, Nest, or Arlo. These cameras not only record video footage but also allow you to monitor your front porch in real-time. Many video doorbells come with features like motion detection, two-way audio, and even live streaming on your smartphone. Some systems will notify you the moment someone steps onto your porch or approaches your front door, allowing you to respond immediately.

In addition to doorbell cameras, there are more comprehensive home security systems that include surveillance of multiple areas around your home, such as driveway cameras or yard cams. These cameras add an extra layer of security to your property and make it more difficult for thieves to act undetected. Make sure to ask your landlord before installing any exterior security cameras.

2. Track Packages and Set Delivery Alerts

Staying informed about your package’s delivery status is another key strategy in preventing theft. Many major delivery services, including UPS, FedEx, and USPS, offer tracking services that allow you to monitor when your package is shipped, out for delivery, and finally delivered to your door.

Taking advantage of package delivery alerts helps you stay in the loop and know exactly when your items will arrive. Once you’ve received an alert that your package has been delivered, you can quickly retrieve it from your porch or entryway. Many delivery companies now offer apps or text alerts that notify you when the package is delivered, giving you the opportunity to pick it up immediately.

If you know you won’t be home at the time of delivery, you can arrange for the package to be delivered to a more secure location, such as your workplace or a trusted neighbor’s home. Some services, like UPS My Choice or FedEx Delivery Manager, also allow you to request a change in delivery time or location, which can further reduce the chance of theft.

3. Use Package Lockers or Alternative Delivery Locations

For those who frequently receive packages, a more secure alternative is to use package lockers or alternative delivery locations. Some delivery services partner with retailers or third-party companies to provide secure lockers for package pickup. Services like Amazon Locker allow you to have your package sent to a nearby locker location, where you can pick it up at your convenience.

You can also consider having packages delivered to a local post office, a UPS Store, or a FedEx location. Many of these locations will hold your packages for pickup, giving you peace of mind knowing that they won’t be left out on your porch.

Another option is to have your packages delivered to a trusted neighbor or a friend’s house if you know you won’t be home to receive them. This adds another layer of security, as someone will be available to bring the package inside right after it’s delivered.

4. Install a Secure Package Drop Box

For those who prefer to keep their deliveries at home, investing in a secure package drop box is a great way to foil porch pirates. These secure boxes are designed to receive packages and keep them protected until you’re able to retrieve them. The most secure boxes are weatherproof, lockable, and can only be opened by you.

There are many options on the market, ranging from simple lockboxes to more advanced systems that integrate with smart home technology. Some even come with electronic locks that can be accessed via a code or app, while others have drop slots that allow packages to be placed in but not taken out without the correct key or combination.

These secure delivery boxes can be placed near your front door, on your porch, or in your yard, ensuring that packages are safely tucked away and not visible to potential thieves.

5. Request Signature Confirmation

If you’re expecting a particularly valuable package or one that you cannot afford to lose, you may want to consider requesting signature confirmation upon delivery. With signature confirmation, the delivery driver will not leave the package unless someone is available to sign for it. This ensures that the package isn’t just left unattended on your porch.

Though this option can add a little more effort to the delivery process—such as requiring you to be home when the package arrives—it can be worth the extra security, particularly if you're receiving expensive electronics, jewelry, or other high-value items. Some delivery services allow you to request signature confirmation at the time of purchase, while others may provide it as an add-on service during checkout.

6. Create a Safe Delivery Spot

Another simple but effective strategy is to create a designated, less-visible delivery area for your packages. Consider installing a discreet, enclosed box or a fenced-off area that’s less accessible to porch pirates. You can also create a designated area by adding plants, a trellis, or a bench that shields the delivery from view. If the package is not easily seen from the street or sidewalk, it’s far less likely to be targeted by thieves.

Consider leaving special instructions when placing your order, asking the delivery company to leave packages in a less obvious or hidden area of your home. This might include placing packages behind a gate, around the side of the house, or even on a back porch or garage.

7. Get a P.O. Box

If you're concerned about package theft, you may want to consider renting a P.O. Box from the USPS or other mail carriers. This ensures that all your deliveries are sent to a secure, monitored location rather than your home. While it’s more useful for smaller parcels and mail deliveries, it can help eliminate the risk of package theft for certain items.

Conclusion

Porch piracy may be an ongoing issue, but with the right precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these opportunistic criminals. By installing security cameras, tracking deliveries, using secure package lockers, or getting a package drop box, you can protect your packages and enjoy the convenience of home deliveries without the fear of theft. With these proactive steps in place, you’ll be one step ahead of porch pirates and ensure your online shopping experience remains safe and hassle-free.