Protect Your Holiday Packages: Tips to Avoid Porch Piracy This Season

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the annual surge in online shopping. While convenient, it also creates opportunities for "porch pirates" to strike. According to a report by security.org, at least 58 million packages were stolen last year, with losses totaling $12 billion. Protecting your deliveries is more important than ever. Jimmy Lynn of ADT suggests several strategies to safeguard your packages. Start by tracking your shipments. Services like USPS, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS provide tracking options that help you monitor when deliveries will arrive. To minimize the risk of theft, try to retrieve packages quickly and opt for delivery options that require a signature whenever possible. For those planning to be away, the U.S. Postal Service offers a Hold Mail service. You can have packages held at your local post office for up to 30 days, ensuring they stay secure until you’re ready to pick them up. Investing in a security system is another effective deterrent. Modern systems equipped with artificial intelligence can alert you when packages are delivered. Video doorbells are particularly useful, as they provide clear footage of anyone approaching your doorstep. Positioning cameras to capture faces can help identify potential thieves and deter them from acting. If you witness package theft in progress, experts advise against confronting the thief. Instead, call local law enforcement to handle the situation safely. The holidays should be a time of giving, not losing. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your packages—and your holiday spirit—stay safe. For more consumer tips and updates, visit our newsroom section online.