Porch Piracy Persists: New Survey Shows 1 in 4 Americans Hit by Package Theft

As online shopping surges during the holiday season, so does the risk of “porch piracy”—thieves stealing delivered packages from doorsteps. A recent survey from home security company ADT reveals that package theft remains a widespread issue, affecting millions of Americans.

Key Findings from the ADT Survey

• 24% of Americans report having a package stolen from their doorstep in the past two years.
• 29% of people leave deliveries unattended on their porch for at least four hours, creating opportunities for thieves.
• 46% of package thefts happen between noon and 6 p.m., when many homes are unoccupied.

The survey highlights how thieves are growing more sophisticated, often scouting neighborhoods to identify the best times to strike.

“What’s interesting is what we’ve found is people more and more being unfortunately a lot smarter about how they’re canvassing a home and they’re actually doing a lot of investigation about trying to understand when is the best time to do something malicious,” said Jimmy Lin, vice president of product management at ADT.

Tips to Deter Porch Pirates

ADT experts recommend several practical steps to protect deliveries:

• Install security cameras or video doorbells, which can deter thieves and provide evidence if needed.
• Keep your doorway well-lit, especially at night.
• Use smart devices that simulate occupancy, such as playing sounds of people inside the home when motion is detected.
• Track deliveries closely with apps and alerts to retrieve packages quickly.
• Enlist trusted neighbors to grab packages if you’re away.

With holiday shipping volumes peaking, taking these precautions can help ensure gifts and orders arrive safely.

(Adapted from the original article by Susan Campbell, published in Arizona’s Family (AZFamily.com) on December 19, 2025.)