CNET survey: Holiday shoppers could get $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 if you spot a good deal from your couch. As more people rely on the convenience of shopping online for Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday deals, the risk of porch theft also increases. This year, more shoppers are taking steps to fend off porch pirates.

A new CNET survey shows that 71% of U.S. shoppers have a plan to prevent package theft during the holidays, up from 68% last year. From doorbell cameras to tracking technology, more Americans are being proactive about protecting their purchases. That’s no shock to experts, especially as more and more packages are being stolen in broad daylight.

“I’m not surprised by that number,” he said Ed Burnettthe retired vice president of security and global fraud investigations at UPS. “Thefts of packages on porches have been increasing year over year, especially during the holidays.”

Here’s what CNET’s latest investigation revealed about holiday porch theft and how experts recommend securing your holiday deliveries this year.

Package theft in numbers

Although most American adults (66%) reported that they have not had a package stolen, one in six (17%) Americans have had a package stolen in the past year. The research also shows that almost one in ten (8%) has caught an attempted package theft, and that more than one in five (21%) knows someone who has had a package stolen.

The study found that the average package value for all participants was $291.38 (based on the average package amounts of the 2,467 U.S. adults surveyed). Spreading this number across the world could add up to $76 billion worth of packages at risk of being stolen this season 262 million people in the US over 18 years of age.

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

How to protect your packages during the holidays

CNET found that most people plan to be away from home for three hours to three days this holiday season, which could be the best opportunity for porch pirates to get their hands on packages. Here’s how experts recommend protecting your shipments.

Sign up for tracking and delivery alerts

Theft from the porch is a “crime of opportunity.” Burnett said. If you can grab your package within minutes of receiving it, you reduce the chance that thieves will have to steal from you.

Most U.S. shoppers will use purchase-to-delivery tracking technology to keep an eye on their holiday purchases. Some shipping and package services such as UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and USPS offer updates via text message or email, and some delivery services also send a photo of where the package was left. Burnett agrees that this is a good way to track your deliveries, but noted that estimated delivery times are not always accurate.

If you are expecting a delivery, make sure you enable alerts so that you can pick up the order from your home shortly after receiving it. If it is a high value item, you can choose to require a signature to prevent it from being delivered when you are not home.

Install a doorbell or a security camera

This year, 41% of Americans plan to use surveillance and doorbell cameras to protect their packages, a measure Burnett says could 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 packets 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 do not always prevent theft, but they do provide images of the crime. If your package is stolen, Burnett recommends filing a police report and sharing the video footage with police.

Read more: Best Video Doorbell Cameras

Arrange to collect the package

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

“If you’ve recently had package thefts in your area, consider taking an extra step, such as a lockable package delivery box or garage delivery service,” Lacoma said.

Most postal delivery services can hold your packages for a few days if you are not home. For example, UPS has package holding locations for its UPS My Choice members – which is free and allows you to track and hold packages at UPS for up to seven days. And Amazon has lockers for it too schedule the delivery of your Amazon packages at pick-up locations such as Kohl’s and Whole Foods.

Ask your neighbors for help

Our research shows that 18% of people plan to ask a neighbor to pick up their packages when they are not home or house-sitting, a recommendation Burnett supports.

If you’re going on vacation or have an important delivery arriving while you’re at work, talk to a neighbor about whether he or she can pick it up. Make sure you give back if they need help grabbing a package while they’re away.

Install a lockbox for package delivery

If your neighbors are unavailable, consider other measures such as setting up a package delivery lockbox so carriers can deliver your packages and keep them safe until you get home.

A parcel delivery lockbox is a box near your front door with just enough room for carriers to place your package and store it safely while you are away. When you are back home, you can open the box with a key or code and easily access your belongings. Sizes and design may vary and 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 to secure deliveries: Amazon Key. If you’re a Prime member, you can have your deliveries delivered to your garage with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. You can connect your smart garage opener to Amazon Key via the app. When you check out on Amazon, select Free Key Delivery.

You should have no problem letting the delivery person into your garage. You can add a video camera to monitor the driver and surroundings.

Read more: Best Outdoor Security Cameras for Home

What should you do if your package is stolen?

If your package is stolen, experts say here’s what to do.

1. Report it to the police

Burnett pointed out that his biggest concern for criminals who continue to steal packages is the lack of police reports filed once packages are stolen — meaning there’s a chance the criminal could get away with it. You will need basic information including the shipping information, item description, and estimated value. Each state has different laws and penalties for mail theft, but some states do too Florida And Pennsylvaniaporch theft is now a crime.

2. Check for purchase protection

Then try contacting the seller to ask for help finding a solution if your package has been 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 limitations 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 period,” says CNET credit card editor Evan Zimmer. Make sure you also have the proper documentation that your credit card company may need to file your claim, he added. For example, proof of payment, or in the event of theft, an official report.

4. Warn your neighbors

You may be concerned that your home or neighborhood will be targeted again. Notify your neighbors by calling or texting if you have their number. You can also try emailing or calling the homeowners association to let them know.

Your community can also be helpful in catching the bad guy if he returns. Try to share as much information as possible, including the delivery service and the estimated time it arrived. This way, your neighbors can be vigilant about your home and theirs.

Methodology

CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct this investigation. 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. The fieldwork was conducted between October 28 and 30, 2024. The survey was conducted online. The figures are weighted and representative of all American adults (18 years and older).