The Growing Issue of Package Theft: Trends, Impact, and Prevention

Sangeetha Bhakta

1 day ago4 min read

Package theft, commonly referred to as "porch piracy" is a widespread issue affecting millions of Americans each year. With the rise of online shopping, particularly during peak retail seasons, stolen deliveries have become a growing concern.

According to available data, nearly 44% of Americans have had a package stolen at some point, with the problem escalating during the holiday season.

Key Insights on Package Theft

Unfortunately, it's all too common for individuals to take advantage of unattended packages left on doorsteps or porches. These opportunistic thieves, often called porch pirates, are always on the lookout for easy targets.

Significant Percentage Affected: Studies indicate that 40-50% of consumers have experienced package theft at least once.
Increase During Peak Shopping Seasons: Package theft rates spike during high-volume shopping periods, such as Christmas, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, when more deliveries are made.
Urban Areas Report Higher Theft Rates: Major cities, such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, report particularly high incidents of package theft, largely due to dense populations and frequent doorstep deliveries.
Impact of Online Shopping Growth: As e-commerce continues to expand, so does the risk of package theft. The convenience of doorstep deliveries has also made unattended packages an easy target for thieves.

The Scale of Package Theft in the U.S.

According to crimeinamerica.net “There are 120 million porch package thefts in 2024, far more than all categories of property crime recorded by the FBI in 2023.” The financial toll of these thefts is $16 billion.

44% of Americans have experienced package theft.
17% have had a package stolen within the last three months.
Over 1.7 million packages go missing daily in the U.S.
The estimated cost of package theft nationwide reached $13.4 billion last year.

Where Package Theft Happens Most

More common in multifamily dwellings (e.g., apartment buildings) than single-family homes.
Higher rates in urban areas compared to suburban and rural locations.
Younger individuals and lower-income households tend to be disproportionately affected.

Effective Ways to Prevent Package Theft

Enable Delivery Notifications – Stay updated with real-time tracking and alerts so you know exactly when your package arrives.
Request Signature Confirmation – Require a signature upon delivery to ensure your package isn’t left unattended.
Choose Secure Delivery Options – Consider using parcel lockers, workplace delivery, or picking up from a local store to keep your packages safe.
Leverage Smart Technology – Install security cameras or video doorbells to deter thieves and monitor deliveries.
Coordinate with Neighbors – If you’re not home, ask a trusted neighbor to receive your package on your behalf.

What to Do If Your Package Is Stolen

If you become a victim of package theft, here are the steps to take:

File a claim with the delivery service (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon).
Check purchase protection from your credit card provider—some offer refunds for stolen packages.
Report the theft to local authorities, especially if theft is recurring in your area.
Check with neighbors or building management to see if someone retrieved your package.

Despite taking precautions, package theft or loss can still happen. If you discover that your package is missing, acting swiftly can increase the chances of recovering it or receiving a replacement. Here’s what you should do:

Steps to Take if Your Package Goes Missing

Act Immediately – The sooner you report the issue, the better the chances of resolving it.
Check with the Seller or Retailer – Many companies have policies for replacing or refunding lost shipments. Contact their customer service for assistance.
Report to the Carrier – Each delivery service (USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc.) has a procedure for handling lost packages. Be ready with your tracking number and order details.
Document Everything – Save copies of your order confirmation, tracking updates, and any communication with the seller or carrier. These records can be helpful if a claim needs to be filed.

How to report stolen packages

File a claim with the postal/ courier service that shipped your package
Check your credit card for purchase protection

Useful Resources for Filing Claims

With package theft on the rise, being proactive about secure delivery options—such as package lockers, PO Boxes, signature-required deliveries, or using services like package receiving services by Stowfly—can help minimize risks and protect valuable shipments.

Hassle-Free Package Receiving Services by Stowfly

Package receiving services by Stowfly offer a simple and secure way to receive your online orders at a trusted pickup location near you. Instead of worrying about unattended packages at your doorstep, have them delivered to a nearby Stowfly package storage partner location, such as a convenience store, café, or local business, where they will be safely stored until you're ready to pick them up.

Once your package arrives, you'll receive an instant notification. When you're ready, simply stop by at your convenience—whether on your commute, while running errands, or during a casual walk—and retrieve your package using a unique pickup PIN, ensuring only you (or someone you trust) can collect it.

Affordable and Flexible Package Storage Options

$7.50/month – Store up to 5 packages
$15/month – Store up to 15 packages
Packages up to 2' x 2' x 2' in size and 50 lbs can be stored at no extra cost

As a special limited-time offer, get your first month free and experience the convenience of Stowfly without any commitment!

Comparing Package Receiving Services to PO Boxes & Package Lockers

While PO Boxes provide a secure place for mail, they come with limitations. Retrieving packages requires a trip to the post office, which can be inconvenient. Mailboxes for rent are also size-restricted, making them unsuitable for larger parcels, and they only accept USPS deliveries, excluding shipments from FedEx, UPS, or DHL.

Similarly, package storage lockers are often in high demand, leading to limited availability. Accessibility can be a challenge, as these delivered parcel lockers must be located in secure areas, and users may find it difficult to retrieve their packages outside of standard hours. Scheduling conflicts can further delay pickups, adding to the inconvenience.

With package receiving services, you get a flexible, hassle-free solution—no long trips, no size restrictions for most packages, and the ability to receive deliveries from all major carriers. No more dealing with Amazon missing packages & USPS stolen packages. Secure, convenient, and tailored to your lifestyle, Stowfly makes package pickup effortless.