Don’t fall victim to porch piracy this holiday. Photo illustration
Each year, millions of packages are stolen each day. In 2025, 104 million packages are stolen in the USA. This number is decreased 13 percent from 2023 numbers.
We may think because we live in a small town, more rural area, that it won’t happen here. That is not the case.
A definition of “porch piracy” or package theft is taking possession of a package or its contents, outside of a residence or business, where it has been commercially delivered or has been left for commercial pick-up, with intent to deprive the rightful owner of the contents.
Porch piracy (as it’s come to be known) occurs as a theft due to opportunity. Most of these occur within seconds. Offenders often do not care if anyone is home. They stroll up to the house, take it and leave. Most thefts occur in 10 seconds or less.
The Nance County Journal spoke with expert Dr. Ben Stickle, professor of criminal justice at Middle Tennessee State. He recommends some ways of prevention: • Remove packages as quickly as possible.
• Schedule delivery for when you are home.
• Have something on your porch to hide your packages.
• Deliver to a parcel locker, trusted neighbor or your work.
• Deliver to a home lockable box Many people think doorbell cameras will stop porch piracy. Stickle reports they don’t. Thieves are not afraid of being caught on camera. They know police don’t pursue these thefts as much. The camera will help to verify a package was stolen and identify the possible thief. The camera footage will help the police.
Another thing Stickle pointed out was most packages (93%) are visible from the road or street. Packages that show what they contain are also very susceptible to be stolen. If that TV you bought is shipped in its original box, everyone who drives by see it’s a TV and knows its approximate worth.
When you purchase online, your information could be shared with many people: the website owner, the business fulfilling it, and the carrier/delivery business. Someone who knows this might share with a thief. They get access to the codes on boxes and know when and where it’s going to be delivered.
The time from Thanksgiving to Christmas is prime time for porch pirates. Many people shop and get packages delivered then.
Make sure you track your packages. Be aware and take steps to prevent these thieves.
Stickle reports “Even if you’ve never had a package stolen, you’re still paying for it through higher prices.”