The rise of online marketplaces and expedited delivery services is a convenient service for many consumers across the nation, allowing holiday purchasers to search out the perfect gift for friends and family.
Unfortunately, purchasing and having the item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee you will receive it. According to market research firm C+R Research, package theft continues to be an issue for many Americans, with approximately one-quarter (23%) of consumers experiencing package theft in 2021.
Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and are easily visible. Over the past five years, internet searches using the keywords “package stolen” nearly doubled during December, demonstrating the impact of this crime on households across the nation.
As a crime of opportunity, preventing or discouraging package theft can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your residence, type and community. For instance, preventing package theft at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a suburban residential community. However, you can use specific strategies to discourage the act no matter where you live.
Your BBB provides the following tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your holiday plans (and the rest of the year):