The term “Porch Pirate” has emerged as a colorful way to describe individuals who steal packages delivered to residences and left unattended on porches or doorsteps. Its origin lies in the combination of “porch”, where such thefts commonly occur, and “pirate”, a term historically associated with looting and plundering.

22% of Americans reported having experienced package theft in 2022, according to a survey by C&R Research.

SafeWise found similar numbers, with approximately 20-25% of respondents reported being victims of package theft within a year.

U.S. Postal Service (USPS) – Preventing Theft of Unattended Packages

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employs a number of strategies and services to help prevent theft of unattended packages.

·      USPS.com customers can register their address and be notified whenever a package arrives.

·      “Hold for Pickup” is a service where residents can choose to have packages held at a local post office for pickup instead of being delivered to their residence.

Amazon - Unattended Packages Strategies

·      UPS Access Point – Customers can choose to have eligible Amazon orders delivered to a UPS Access Point location during checkout. Orders must meet the certain criteria to be eligible. 

·      Photo on Delivery – When a package is left at a delivery address, the driver takes a photo of the package at its delivery location and sends a delivery confirmation via email or app notifying to the customer, including the photo.

·      Amazon Lockers - Amazon Lockers are installed in more than 2,000 locations providing customers a pick-up place for delivered packages. When a package is delivered to a locker, Amazon sends the customer an email or text with a unique pickup code.

·      “The Hub” – Amazon has a locker service for apartment and condo complexes for use exclusively for people who live there.

·      Amazon Key – This service allows Amazon delivery drivers to enter a home and deliver packages directly inside, rather than leave the packages on the home’s doorstep. To do this, there needs to be a compatible door lock installed on the home’s door. After the Amazon Key delivery, the door automatically locks.

Walmart - Unattended Packages Strategies

·      Walmart InHome – A subscription service where delivery personnel can place purchased items directly inside a home or garage using a smart lock system.

·      A customer can receive real-time updates of deliveries through the Walmart app or email, including tracking, estimated delivery times, and confirmation when a package is delivered.

Other Strategies to Prevent Theft of Unattended Packages

·      Install a video doorbell to monitor deliveries and possibly deter “Porch Pirates”

·      Have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor

·      Post visible security signs about home security cameras (e.g., “This Property is Monitored”)

·      Install motion detector lights around porch to discourage thieves

·      Provide a lockable, weatherproof container for home deliveries

·      Have packages delivered to your workplace, if possible

·      Require a signature to ensure packages aren’t left unattended.

NEW – Insurance for Home Deliveries

PorchPals is a new and expanding insurance option for home deliveries. It costs $120.00 annually and covers up to $2,000 in deliveries or up to $3 claims per year. (porchpals.com)

Theft of unattended packages is chronic during the holiday season. According to the personal finance site Value Penguin, shoppers can expect to have at least one delivery fall victim to Porch Pirates during this holiday season.

Criminal Penalties

Some states, including Florida, have implemented harsher penalties for those found criminally liable for porch piracy and package theft.

A bipartisan bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this past summer that, if enacted, would allow federal penalties for postal mail theft to be applied to packages delivered by private carriers like Amazon.

File a Report! If a package is stolen, the victim should file a police report and report the package stolen to the carrier as well as the vendor.

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