With package theft on the rise in neighborhoods across the country, especially during peak shopping seasons, porch pirates have become a nightmare for every online shopper. Whether you’re dealing with stolen Amazon packages, missing UPS deliveries, or wondering how to report stolen packages to police, you’re not alone in this battle against delivery theft.
But here’s the good news: package theft is largely preventable when you know the right strategies and have the proper security measures in place. In this post, we’ll walk you through 5 effective ways to prevent packages from being stolen, and help you choose the right front door security system for your specific needs and budget.
Table of Contents
5 Ways to Prevent Packages from Being Stolen
Whether you live in an apartment complex, suburban neighborhood, or urban area, these anti-porch pirate strategies will give you peace of mind and protect your packages from delivery thieves. Here are our top five package theft solutions:
1. Install Security Cameras
Surveillance systems, that is, cameras set up on the doorstep, above the porch, or through windows are the best solution for catching porch pirates red-handed. These often come with a hefty price tag attached, but there are inexpensive options. In fact, some are completely free.
AlfredCamera is a free app that turns smart devices into security cameras, available for iOS and Android. Simply install AlfredCamera on two devices (a phone or tablet) and designate one of them as the camera. Pair them and enjoy 24/7 live streaming, two-way talk, motion detection, and real-time alerts.
2. Require Signature for Package Delivery
Most retailers provide the option to require a signature upon delivery. This includes major logistics companies like FedEx, UPS, and Amazon. Requiring signature confirmation ensures your packages won’t be left unattended on your porch. This package delivery security method guarantees someone is home to receive deliveries, eliminating the window of opportunity for porch pirates.
While slightly less convenient, signature requirements are particularly valuable for high-value items or during peak package theft seasons like holidays. Most major retailers and shipping companies offer this service for free or a small fee, making it an affordable stolen package prevention strategy.
3. Leave Packages with Trusted Neighbors
Although signatures are a handy way to avoid porch pirates, for those who are regularly out of the house, it can be inconvenient to have packages bounce back when left unsigned. Having packages delivered to a trusted neighbor creates a human security layer that porch pirates don’t challenge.
This approach costs nothing but creates a neighborhood watch system that reduces package theft risk for everyone involved.
4. Use Public Package Pickup Locations
Many major online retailers, including Amazon, offer delivery lockers located at public sites and stores that can be used as an alternate address. This eliminates porch theft by removing packages from your doorstep. After placing your order, simply select a nearby locker location, and you’ll receive a pickup code when your package arrives.
Package lockers provide 24/7 access and are completely secure from theft. Many UPS and FedEx locations also offer package holding services, allowing you to pick up packages at your convenience. You can both pick up and return packages at one of these hubs.
5. Install Motion Detection Lights
Catch porch pirates like a deer in the headlights – literally – by installing motion detector lights. Motion activates the spotlight, illuminating any trespassers approaching the property before they reach the porch. Studies show that well-lit properties experience 39% less theft than poorly lit ones.
These have been around for a while, meaning they are by now an affordable way to keep your packages (and home) more secure. Modern motion lights are solar-powered and easy to install, requiring no electrical work.
5 Best Front Door Security Cameras to Prevent Stolen Packages
AlfredCam – Best Budget Security Solution
AlfredCam powered by the AlfredCamera app, is perfect for renters or anyone seeking affordable porch pirate protection. Starting at only $29.99, you will enjoy features like: 1080p Full HD video live streaming, night vision, motion and sound detection, 130° wide field of view, and two-way audio with noise cancellation.
AlfredCam’s biggest advantage is its zero upfront software cost. The free version includes basic features, while the premium plan ($5.99/month) adds advanced motion detection and extended cloud storage.
Ring Video Doorbell – Best Overall Doorbell Camera
This Amazon product integrates seamlessly with your existing doorbell wiring while providing professional-grade security features. Package theft prevention features include customizable motion zones, instant phone notifications, and pre-recorded messages to deter thieves. However, this is not a budget-friendly option. The basic Ring Video Doorbell is about $199.99, with software plans starting at $9.99/month.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera – Best Wireless Security Camera
The Arlo Pro 4 offers complete wireless freedom with its rechargeable battery design and integrated spotlight feature. This premium camera provides 2K video resolution, color night vision, and a built-in siren to actively deter package thieves. While the camera costs $199.99, the wire-free installation makes it ideal for renters or homes where running cables isn’t practical.
Nest Doorbell – Best Smart Home Integration
Google Nest Doorbell excels in smart home environments. This battery-powered design ensures easy installation without existing doorbell wiring requirements. With advanced video quality and a 3:4 aspect ratio for better head-to-toe coverage of your porch area. Starting at $179.99, with optional Nest Aware subscriptions from $6/month for enhanced video history and intelligent alerts.
What if Your Package Gets Stolen?
Most people don’t realize that stolen package recovery is often possible when you know the right steps to take immediately. From getting full refunds to filing police reports that actually lead to arrests, there are specific actions that can turn a theft into a minor inconvenience rather than a total loss.
- Report immediately: Contact the retailer, shipping carrier, and local police as soon as you discover a theft. Many retailers will replace stolen items, especially if you report the theft quickly.
- Document everything: Keep records of tracking numbers, delivery confirmations, and any security camera footage. This documentation helps with insurance claims and police reports.
- Review and adjust your security: After any theft incident, evaluate what went wrong and strengthen your defenses. This might mean upgrading to more secure delivery options or improving your property’s security measures.
FAQ
Do porch pirates ever get caught?
Around 10% of reported porch pirates are brought to justice. This doesn’t mean that 10% of all 260 million stolen packages have their culprit caught. It merely means that 10% of the crimes that are actually reported are caught.
According to a study by Security.org, almost 50% of reported package thefts came from people who own a home security camera. Additionally, people without a porch or doorbell camera were reported to be less likely to report the crimes to the police.
How do porch pirates get caught?
Porch pirates usually get caught by home security cameras set up outside properties. When homeowners report the theft to the local police and send the footage, this aids the police in building a case against the porch pirates.
Usually, when a large number of claims are about porch pirates in a certain area, the police patrol the reported areas in search of the criminals. Should they make an arrest, the home security camera footage can sometimes be used as part of court cases, but it won’t always be suitable. Find out how and when security camera footage gets used in court.
How many porch pirates are caught?
Porch pirates are generally hard to catch. Few porch pirates are caught each year, meaning many get away with the crimes.
While research suggests that around 17% of homeowners capture porch pirates on home security cameras, it is estimated that only 10% of porch pirate reports end in an arrest.
How are packages stolen?
Porch pirates steal packages by walking up to where the package was left and taking it. Some of these crimes are impulse crimes, where a person will spot the package and take it on a whim.
However, other porch pirates run a strategic operation to steal packages left at people’s front doors. Generally, they will follow a delivery driver undetected and pick up any parcels left unclaimed at front doors.
How do you stop porch pirates?
There are a number of precautions homeowners can take to deter porch pirates, including:
- Setting up real home security cameras with two-way audio (like AlfredCam)
- Installing motion detector lights
All these methods are useful as they give the impression that someone is at home, even if they are not, and that the property is under surveillance.
Other ways to prevent porch pirates include having packages delivered to a locker or a neighbor when you won’t be at home.
What should you do if you see someone stealing a package?
With home security cameras like AlfredCam, you can communicate in real-time with whoever is at your door. When motion is detected at your front door, you’ll get a notification via the AlfredCamera app.
You can then watch the live feed to see what is happening on your porch. If you see someone stealing a package from your front door, use the siren feature to scare them off.
Where did the term porch pirate come from?
‘Porch pirate’ references the pirates of a bygone era. They would infiltrate naval fleets and steal whatever they could find. The term “porch pirates” was first posted to Urban Dictionary in 2011 and first appeared on Twitter the same year.
Conclusion
Preventing package theft requires a multi-layered approach combining smart delivery choices, physical security measures, and community awareness. Start with the strategies that fit your budget and lifestyle, then build additional protections over time.
It’s wise to combine several logical solutions to prevent porch pirates. For example, setting up motion-detecting lights above the porch as well as installing a home security system like AlfredCamera. The small investment in prevention measures pays for itself the first time it saves a package from being stolen, not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing your deliveries are secure.
Recommended reading:
Use This Hilarious Porch Pirate Trap to Put an End to Package Theft
10 Inexpensive Tricks to Secure Your Back Door from Break-ins
7 Signs Your House is the Next Burglary Target and What to Do About It
Bad Neighborhoods: What Are Your Safety And Security Options?