The Hidden Epidemic: How Porch Piracy Is Plaguing U.S. Neighborhoods

Porch piracy has evolved into a serious and prevalent problem affecting households across the US. Porch pirates are opportunistic individuals and organized groups, motivated by factors like the lure of anonymity, the excitement of the act, and the potential for quick financial gain.

Porch piracy tends to be more common in suburban and spread-out residential areas, where homes are less densely packed and packages can be taken with minimal risk of detection. Interestingly, apartment dwellers and suburban residents are more frequently targeted, likely due to easier access and a higher volume of deliveries.

How Porch Piracy is Impacting U.S. Households

According to a report released by Security.org, porch pirates made off with $12 billion worth of goods in the U.S. in 2024. 

To address the rising issue of porch piracy, several states have introduced tougher legislation. Package theft is now classified as a felony in many regions, carrying harsher penalties and longer prison sentences, especially for those with prior offenses.

However, despite these measures, porch piracy continues to persist as an opportunistic crime.

Reddit posts asking, 'Why are porch pirates such a problem in the U.S.?' have prompted responses such as: “In most US households, there isn't anyone home during the day to receive packages.” to “Package deliveries used to routinely require a signature. However, after the surge in popularity of internet shopping, many delivery companies began to relax this requirement, making signature confirmation an optional, premium service.”

What Porch Pirates Look for in Packages

Porch pirates don’t strike randomly—they often go after specific types of packages, especially during the busy holiday season. According to research, Amazon packages are the most frequently stolen, accounting for 33.2% of reported thefts, according to an article published on suzukilawoffices.com.

Porch pirates typically look for:

• High-value merchandise

• Electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets

• Prescription medications

A self-proclaimed porch pirate from Sunnyside expressed frustration on Reddit over a decline in the value of items being delivered, noting that recent packages often contain low-cost essentials like toilet paper and meal kits. 

Reflecting on what they described as more lucrative past years, the porch pirate questioned whether the state of the city had worsened.  Additionally, they inquired about renting 2,000 square feet of storage space in a safe neighborhood—preferably near a dog run—on a $600 monthly budget to store the large volume of stolen packages.

Another porch pirate took to Reddit and admitted to stealing packages for nearly three years, describing how a once-occasional act of opportunity has developed into a compulsive behavior. They now spend much of their free time searching for unattended deliveries to steal, driven by the excitement of the unknown contents. 

The Shift in Delivery Practices: How Online Shopping Fuels Package Theft

“Package theft is worsening as online shopping becomes more frequent and convenient,” added Harry Kazakian, founder and CEO of USA Express Legal and Investigative Services, a provider of legal support services in Woodland Hills, Calif, as published in an article on ecommercetimes.com. 

“The pandemic accelerated this trend, and many people now order multiple packages every week,” he told the E-Commerce Times. “This creates reliable, visible opportunities for thieves, especially the more sophisticated ones who work profitable neighborhoods on a consistent basis — just like kids always seem to know which homes have the best candy at Halloween.”

Effective Strategies to Protect Your Packages from Theft

As package theft continues to be a growing concern, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your deliveries. By implementing a few simple strategies, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of porch piracy. Here are some smart ways to safeguard your packages:

• Avoid leaving deliveries sitting outside unattended for long periods.

• Consider having packages shipped to a local store, post office box, or an Amazon Locker.

• Choose signature-required delivery whenever possible to ensure your package isn’t left out in the open.

• Sign up for delivery notifications via email or text so you can track your package in real time.

  
  

However, despite taking every precaution—requiring signatures, being home for deliveries, and closely monitoring tracking updates—a Reddit user from Brooklyn continues to face package theft. Living on the fourth floor, they receive delivery notifications with photo proof, but packages are often stolen within 5 to 10 minutes. In one instance, after carrying a 15 lb bag of cat litter upstairs, they returned to find a 30 lb bag of cat food already stolen from the lobby.

Utilizing package receiving services as a secure storage solution can be a game-changer for protecting deliveries and outsmarting porch pirates once and for all.

Package Receiving Services: A Game-Changer for Package Security

Stowfly makes package receiving easier and more secure by offering local pickup locations right in your neighborhood. Through partnerships with nearby stores and small businesses, Stowfly provides a reliable space for your deliveries, so you can grab your packages when it’s most convenient for you.

Unlike a traditional mailbox for rent, package receiving service accepts deliveries from all major carriers, helping to prevent Amazon missing packages, FedEx stolen packages, or UPS lost packages.

Once your package arrives at a verified Stowfly location, you’ll receive a unique pick-up PIN. Just show this PIN to the location partner to securely retrieve your item.

With ample package storage locations throughout all major cities and their respective neighborhoods, you can avoid the hassle of visiting a post office or tracking down a package locker. Simply find and book a convenient location through our mobile-friendly website at stowfly.com, factoring in hours and distance from your home or office.

Stowfly accepts packages up to 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft and up to 50 lbs.

Plans start at just $7.50/month for 5 packages, or $15/month for up to 15 packages—and every delivery is protected with $1,000 in insurance.

Limited-Time Offer: Enjoy your first month free and experience safe, stress-free package handling—on us!