Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime season for scoring the best deals of the year – and, unfortunately, prime season for thieves. Having your gifts stolen can really put a damper on your holiday festivities. That’s why protecting your packages is just as important as finding the perfect price tag.

Are Porch Pirates Really A Problem?

Porch piracy is a full-blown national headache! According to the SafeWise 2025 Package Theft Report, roughly 250,000 packages are stolen every day in the U.S., resulting in about $15  billion in consumer losses. CapitalOne’s research supports this; their studies show that Americans lose $16  billion annually to package theft, with the average stolen box valued at around $133.

Outsmarting The Scallywags

Even the craftiest thieves can be thrown off their game with a little planning. Here are a few simple ways to keep your treasure in your hands:

1. Track your packages like a hawk!

Sign up for free delivery alerts (USPS Informed Delivery, UPS My Choice, and FedEx Delivery Manager all offer this service) so you know exactly when a package is dropped off. Police often recommend this as a top line of defense.

2. Require a signature or specify a secure drop spot for every delivery.

If you can use a signature requirement, do it. Or leave delivery instructions for the driver (like, “please leave behind potted plant” or “put on side porch”). Having drop‑point preferences can really pay off.

3. Use a secure pickup location that’s close to your home.

Amazon Lockers, FedEx drop-off points, or UPS Store boxes are safer than leaving things on your front stoop.

4. Invest in a lockbox or parcel safe.

A parcel lockbox bolted to your porch is a serious deterrent. Flock Safety recommends models with wide slots and secure locking lids.

Batten Down Your Hatches!

You can also take steps to make your home more secure, and keep the porch pirates at bay. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Install a video doorbell or security camera.

Smart doorbells are gold. They record motion, catch faces, and help you document thieves in action. This footage can make or break a theft report.

2. Make it harder for thieves to access your mail.

If you’re concerned about repeated thefts, you may want to get a lockable parcel box. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a strong deterrent. Plus, many of these boxes are weather-resistant and built to hide what’s inside until you get home.

3. Get to know your neighbors.

Police departments recommend coordinating with neighbors; if you know when your packages are arriving, someone can grab them inside or out of sight.

If Your Loot Gets Plundered…

Even the best-guarded treasure sometimes gets stolen. If a porch pirate beats you to your bounty, here’s how to respond quickly and smartly:

1. Document everything! Take photos of the empty porch, and check your camera or doorbell for any footage of the thief.
   
   
2. Report the theft. It’s always a good idea to file a police report. Having evidence like video or timestamps helps.
   
3. Contact the retailer and delivery company. Many will refund or resend if you can prove delivery + theft.
   
   
4. File an insurance claim. If your homeowners or renters insurance covers “theft of personal property,” package loss may be covered. It is important to check your policy details, and make sure to have any supporting documentation ready to go.

Chart Your Course With Insurance

For stolen packages, either in your car or on your porch, your homeowners or renters insurance is what steps in. Comprehensive auto insurance only covers the car itself. It does not cover stolen packages or belongings inside your vehicle, unless they are permanently installed (like a stereo).

Porch theft is usually treated as “personal property,” but every policy has limits. Some items may not be covered at full value unless they’re specifically listed (or “scheduled”) on your policy. If you’re ordering something expensive, it’s smart to let us know ahead of time. We can help you check your limits or schedule high-value items so you’re fully covered if a thief makes off with your stuff.

Smooth Sailing With Silver Linings

With package theft on the rise, having a clear plan and the right coverage can help you keep your peace of mind. If you’ve got questions about your coverage, or want to make sure your policy is ready for the season, give us a call. We’ll run through a quick risk check, make sure your policy meets your shopping needs, and can help you add coverage for any big Black Friday buys.