How to Prevent Package Theft: 7 Simple Tips for 2025

I’ve felt that jolt in my stomach too—your phone says “Delivered,” but your porch is empty. You replay the day, scan the street cam, and wonder if you could’ve done one thing differently to stop it. You’re not alone, and you’re not helpless.

I dug through the top guides and noticed the same chorus: get a doorbell cam, ask for a signature, try a locker. Good tips—but they miss the real-life gaps. What if you’re at work when every courier arrives? What if your entry is hidden from the street, or you live where deliveries pile up at the same time each day?

In this guide, I’ll show you eight strategies that actually change outcomes—how to control the drop (not just watch it), make your doorway a bad target, use delivery tools the right way, and build a simple neighborhood buffer that thieves hate. No scare tactics, no tech-for-tech’s sake—just moves that fit a normal routine and budget.

I’ll keep it practical: short steps, clear trade-offs, and what to do if something still goes wrong. You’ll leave with a plan you can set up this week, not a wish list you’ll forget by tonight.

Quick question before we dive in: where do packages usually get left at your place—and what time do they typically land?

Why Package Theft Is Growing—and Why It Matters for You

I used to think package theft was something that happened in “other” neighborhoods, not mine. Then I saw the numbers—and realized it’s everywhere. In 2022, about 35% of Americans reported losing a package, and by 2024 that number jumped to 41%. That’s not just bad luck, it’s a trend.

Here’s why it’s rising so fast:

• More deliveries than ever – e-commerce has exploded, and your porch has quietly become a drop-off hub.
• Low risk for thieves – arrest rates for porch piracy are shockingly low, and police often can’t prioritize it.
• High reward – even one stolen box can be worth hundreds, and thieves know it.

If you’ve ever walked to your door expecting a delivery and found nothing, you already know the emotional cost—it’s not just about money, it’s about feeling unsafe in your own space. That’s why prevention matters so much. According to MMBB, porch piracy has only grown worse as online shopping surges year after year.

1. Enhance Visibility—Use Cameras, Doorbells & Lighting

The first thing I tell homeowners is simple: make your front entry too visible to mess with. Thieves don’t want attention, and even a small sign of surveillance can be enough to send them elsewhere.

What works best?

• Video doorbells (Ring, Nest, or similar): They let you see the drop in real time and save footage if something happens.
• Motion-activated lights: A sudden flood of light when someone steps up can feel like a spotlight, making it clear they’re not hidden.
• Visible camera placement: Don’t hide your security camera—let it be the first thing a thief notices. If you’re just getting started with home security, these 9 home security tips every homeowner should know will give you a strong foundation before adding cameras or motion lights.

On Reddit, one homeowner admitted that simply installing a Ring doorbell “seems to work as a deterrent.” It’s not about monitoring every second—it’s about showing that you could.

Think of it this way: you don’t have to make your home impenetrable. You just need to make it a harder target than the one down the street.

2. Lock It Up—Install Delivery Lockboxes & Smart Locks

When I talk to homeowners about stopping theft, one theme keeps coming up: make the package harder to grab in the first place. That’s where lockboxes and smart locks come in. Instead of leaving boxes in plain sight, you give your courier a secure spot that thieves can’t easily crack.

Options worth considering:

• Lockable parcel boxes – sturdy containers with combination or key access, designed to sit by your door.
• Smart locks like BoxLock – delivery drivers scan the package barcode to unlock and drop it inside, then it locks itself.
• Amazon Locker or retail lockers – pick up from a nearby store or gas station when it suits you. Smart locks can do more than protect packages—learn how to protect your home like a pro with these 10 security moves that make intruders think twice before even approaching.

Yes, it’s an extra step or a bit of money upfront, but think of it as buying peace of mind. One small investment can save you hundreds of dollars (and a lot of stress) down the line.

3. Outsmart Delivery—Track, Schedule & Signature Requirements

You and I both know the worst moment: a package sits outside all day because no one was home. That’s basically an open invitation. The fix? Take control of delivery timing instead of leaving it to chance.

Here’s how:

• Track your delivery windows – most carriers now give real-time tracking so you’re not guessing.
• Request a signature – it may feel like a hassle, but it guarantees your package isn’t abandoned on the porch.
• Leave delivery notes – a quick line like “place behind side gate” can make a big difference.

Carriers also offer free tools like FedEx Delivery Manager, USPS Informed Delivery, and UPS My Choice. Each gives you the power to reschedule, reroute, or get notified when a driver is minutes away. According to State Farm, simply setting up these preferences cuts risk dramatically.

Tech-savvy homeowners are also upgrading with AI-based tools—before you try one, here are 5 things I wish I knew before setting up Frigate for home security to avoid costly mistakes.

4. Redirect It—Ship to Work, Neighbors, or Pickup Locations

If you’re not home during the day, prevention gets tougher—but not impossible. Instead of leaving your box out front, redirect it somewhere safer.

Smart alternatives include:

• Ship to your workplace – many offices don’t mind, and it’s the most reliable option.
• Ask a trusted neighbor – a quick hand-off means no package left unattended.
• Use Amazon or retail lockers – available at grocery stores, gas stations, and malls for secure pickup.
• Rent a P.O. box – perfect if you’re ordering often and don’t want to worry at all.

The key idea here is simple: don’t leave your deliveries sitting in the open. Even redirecting a few packages a month can dramatically lower your risk.

5. Preemptive Insurance & Theft Coverage Options

Even with cameras, lockboxes, and delivery hacks, there’s always a chance something slips through. That’s why I look at insurance as a final safety net. Most homeowners’ or renters’ policies technically cover stolen packages—but here’s the catch: the deductible often makes a small claim pointless.

That’s where new models come in. Services like PorchPals offer subscription-style theft coverage, and some carriers let you add insurance on high-value shipments for just a few dollars. The point isn’t to expect theft—it’s to know you’re financially protected if it does happen. According to The Wall Street Journal, these newer options are becoming more popular as porch piracy continues to rise.

6. Leverage Your Neighborhood & Report Smartly

You don’t have to fight this alone. In fact, your neighbors are one of the strongest defenses you have.

Ways to make it work:

• Join a neighborhood group – platforms like Nextdoor help share alerts and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
• Simple signage works – a “This home is under surveillance” sign can stop a thief before they step onto your porch.
• Coordinate pick-ups – if you’re out of town, ask a neighbor to grab your package the same day it arrives.
• Report theft quickly – share camera footage with police, and notify your retailer or carrier immediately for a better chance at refunds or replacements.

Community isn’t just about being friendly—it’s about accountability. Thieves hate neighborhoods where people look out for each other.

7. New Deterrents & Legal Developments (Tech & Laws)

Here’s something porch pirates don’t want to hear: the game is changing. Laws are catching up, and in some states like Florida, stealing packages worth just $40 can now be treated as a felony offense. That alone can make would-be thieves think twice.

On the practical side, homeowners are experimenting with creative deterrents:

• Decoy boxes filled with junk or dye packs
• Tamper-evident packaging that makes theft obvious
• Emerging smart tech that alerts you the second a package is moved

The idea isn’t to scare you—it’s to show you the tide is finally turning. Between tougher laws and smarter prevention, porch piracy is becoming riskier for criminals and easier for you to fight back.

What to Do If Theft Happens

Even with the best strategies, sometimes a package still disappears. I’ve been there, and the worst part isn’t just the missing item—it’s the frustration of not knowing what to do next. Here’s the step-by-step plan I follow when theft strikes:

• Verify delivery first – double-check the tracking number and ask family or neighbors if they picked it up.
• Check your cameras – if you’ve got footage, save it immediately before it loops or overwrites.
• Report it to the police – even if recovery chances are slim, a police report helps with claims.
• Notify the retailer or carrier – most big retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart have strong replacement or refund policies if you file quickly.
• Look into insurance coverage – homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may help if the value is high, though deductibles matter.

The trusted consumer guides note that speed is critical—the faster you act, the better your chance of getting a refund, replacement, or at least filing documentation that supports your claim later.

The big takeaway: don’t just write it off. Acting quickly can often turn a total loss into a recoverable situation.

What about you—have you ever lost a package, and how did you handle it? Share your story in the comments below. And if you want more practical home improvement and security tips, visit us anytime at Build Like New.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional legal, insurance, or security advice. Always check with your local authorities, carrier services, or insurance provider for guidance specific to your situation.