CNET Survey: Holiday Shoppers May Have $291 in Deliveries at Risk of Theft. How to Keep Porch Pirates at Bay

If you're like me, you know the luxury of having a package delivered to your home, especially when you spot a good deal from your couch. With more of us leaning on the convenience of online shopping for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, the risk of porch theft also increases. This year, more shoppers are taking steps to ward off porch pirates.

A new CNET survey found that 71% of US shoppers have a plan to prevent package theft this holiday season, up from 68% last year. From doorbell cameras to tracking technology, more Americans are being proactive to protect their purchases. That's not a shock to experts, especially with more packages being stolen in broad daylight. 

"I'm not surprised at that number," said Ed Burnett, the retired vice president of security and global fraud investigations at UPS. "Package theft porch pirates have been increasing year over year for many years now, especially during the holiday season."

Here's what CNET's latest survey uncovered about holiday porch theft and how experts recommend safeguarding your holiday deliveries this year.

Package theft by the numbers

Although most US adults (66%) reported that they haven't had a package stolen, one in six (17%) of Americans have had a package stolen in the past year. The survey also shows that nearly one in 10 (8%) have caught an attempted package theft, and more than one in five (21%) know someone who has had a package stolen. 

The survey found that the mean package value across all participants breaks down to $291.38 (based on the average package amounts provided by the 2,467 US adults surveyed). This could add up to $76 billion in packages at risk of theft this season when you spread this number across the 262 million people in the US over 18.

It can be difficult to get your money back if your package is stolen, especially if you didn't pay with a credit card that offers purchase protection to replace the items. Experts suggest taking action now to prevent thieves from stealing from your doorstep.

How to protect your packages this holiday season

CNET found that most people plan to be away from home anywhere from three hours to up to three days this holiday season, which could be the prime opportunity for porch pirates to snag packages. Here's how experts recommend protecting your shipments.

Sign up for tracking and delivery alerts

Porch theft is a "crime of opportunity." said Burnett. If you can grab your package within minutes of it arriving, you cut down on the window of opportunity thieves have to steal from you.

Most US shoppers will use tracking technology from purchase to delivery to monitor their holiday purchases. Some shipping and parcel services like UPS, FedEx, Amazon and USPS offer updates via text or email, and some delivery services also send a photo of where the package was left. Burnett agrees that it's a good way to track your deliveries, but noted that estimated delivery times aren't always accurate. 

If you're expecting a delivery, be sure to turn on alerts to make sure you grab it from your doorstep shortly after it arrives. If it's a high-value item, you might opt to require a signature to prevent it from delivering when you aren't home.

Install a doorbell or home security camera

This year 41% of Americans plan to use surveillance and doorbell cameras to protect their packages, a move Burnett said can ward off porch pirates. 

If you don't have a security device, CNET's home security editor, Tyler Lacoma, recommends sticking with a simple video doorbell that can recognize packages and send mobile alerts when they appear or disappear. We recommend checking out the Ring Battery Doorbell Pro and the Arlo Essential Wire-Free Video Doorbell if you're looking for a wireless option. 

These devices won't always prevent theft, but they will offer footage of the crime. If your package is stolen, Burnett recommends filing a police report and sharing the video footage with law enforcement. 

Read more: Best Video Doorbell Cameras

Arrange for package pickup

Lacoma also recommends taking additional safety measures to protect your packages if your neighborhood has experienced package thefts recently. 

"If you have had recent package theft in your area, you should consider taking an extra step like a lockable package delivery box or an in-garage delivery service," said Lacoma.

Most mail delivery services can hold your packages for a few days if you're away from home. For example, UPS has locations to hold packages for its UPS My Choice members -- which is free, and lets you track and hold packages at UPS for up to seven days. And Amazon also has lockers to schedule your Amazon package deliveries at pickup locations like Kohl's and Whole Foods. 

Ask your neighbors for help

Our survey found that 18% of people plan to ask a neighbor to pick up their packages if they're not home or watch their home, a recommendation Burnett stands by. 

If you're going on vacation or have an important delivery arriving while you're at work, coordinate with a neighbor to have them pick it up. Be sure to return the favor if they need help grabbing a package while they're away.

Install a package delivery lockbox

If your neighbors aren't available, you may consider other measures, such as setting up a package delivery lockbox for carriers to drop off your packages and keep them safe until you're home. 

A package delivery lockbox is a box by your front door with just enough space for carriers to drop your package and safely store it while you're away. When you're back home, you can use a key or code to open the box to easily get your items. Sizes and design may vary, and they typically cost between $200 and $400.

Read more: Prevent Package Theft: 5 Smart Home Devices to Protect Your Deliveries

Use Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

Amazon Prime members with smart garage door openers have another option for securing deliveries: Amazon Key. If you're a Prime member, you can have your deliveries dropped off inside of your garage using Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. You'll link your smart garage opener to Amazon Key using the app. When you check out on Amazon, select Free Key Delivery.

You'll need to be comfortable with letting the delivery driver enter your garage. You can add a video camera to monitor the driver and surrounding area.

Read more: Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras

What to do if your package is stolen 

If your package is stolen, here's what experts say you should do.

1. File a police report 

Burnett pointed out that his biggest concern for criminals continuing to steal packages is the lack of police reports filed as soon as packages are stolen -- which means there's a chance the criminal could get away with it. You'll need basic information including the shipping information, item description and estimated value. Each state has different laws and penalties for mail theft, but in some states, including Florida and Pennsylvania, porch theft is now a felony.

2. Check for purchase protection

Next, try contacting the seller to ask for help with finding a resolution if your package is stolen. If you used a credit card with purchase protection, you may be able to get a replacement or refund. But this credit card benefit may have restrictions depending on your card issuer -- such as the maximum amount for the purchase and the number of days since it was delivered. 

"Most purchase protection lasts 90 to 120 days, so as long as your claim is filed within that window," said CNET credit card editor Evan Zimmer. Make sure you also have the proper documentation that your credit card issuer may need to file your claim, he added. For example, a receipt, or in the instance of theft, a police report. 

4. Alert your neighbors 

You may be concerned about your home or neighborhood being targeted again. Alert your neighbors by calling or texting them if you have their number. You can also try emailing or calling your homeowner's association to make them aware. 

Your community may also be helpful in catching the bad actor if they return. Try to share as much information as possible including the delivery service and estimated time it arrived. That way your neighbors can be vigilant of your home and theirs. 

Methodology 

CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct this survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,467 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between Oct. 28 and 30, 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18 and over).