Package Theft is Getting Worse. Here's What You Can Do About It.

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How to prevent packages from being stolen

Having a package swiped is infuriating — but you don’t have to put up with it. Proactive security moves can help keep your goods out of the hands of porch pirates.

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SafeWise Reader Porch Pirate Deal!

🔥 SimpliSafe is offering 60% off any new system + a FREE doorbell!* Use code PORCHPIRATE60 for this exclusive SafeWise reader deal.

Find out how SimpliSafe can help keep your packages out of the hands of porch pirates in our 2025 Pack Theft report, made possible with support from SimpliSafe.

*On any new system with professional monitoring. Limit one per customer. Offer valid with code through 1/5/26. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. 

Package theft statistics

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Last year, stolen packages were valued at $14.9 billion
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About 250,000 packages are stolen every day

It’s hard to get the full story about how often package theft happens, the value of stolen items, and the success rate for recovery because there’s no central way of tracking it in the US.

To help fill the gap, we’ve been studying package theft for the past several years. Our independent surveys and research have been featured by multiple outlets including CNBC, The New York Times, PBS NewsHour, and The Today Show.

Get the full story in our complete report: 2025 U.S. Package Theft Reports nd Worst Metro Cities for Porch Pirates.

Who's stealing this stuff anyway? And why?

Great questions! We sat down with package theft expert and criminologist Dr. Ben Stickle to learn more about porch pirates and why package thefts seem to be on the rise. Watch our interviews below.


Meet our package theft expert

Ben Stickle

Image: Dr. Ben Stickle

Dr. Ben Stickle is a former sheriff’s deputy and crime scene processor. He’s an expert on policing, metal theft, and porch piracy. Ben has published dozens of academic publications and presented at both national and international conferences (including at the United Nations). He’ss also made prominent appearances in the media, including on Good Morning America and CSPAN.

What to do if a package is stolen

Sometimes—no matter what you do—a package still gets pilfered. We’ve got the steps to take if porch pirates sail away with your booty.

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Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the Managing Editor and lead safety expert at SafeWise.com, where she's been researching, testing, and writing about home and personal security for over 12 years. Her safety smarts come from both real life and professional experience—as a single parent trying out safety and security gadgets to protect her family and a former college director responsible for safety plans and strategies to keep buildings, grounds, and hundreds of students and faculty safe every day. With 30 years of experience as a journalist and blogger, she's become a go-to source for trustworthy, practical advice on everything from the best home security systems and smart gadgets to keeping kids safe online, preventing package theft, and understanding crime trends nationwide. PBS NewsHour, The Today Show, NPR, Vice, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, HGTV, Marketplace, On the House, and more have featured Rebecca's expert insights and recommendations. Whether it's protecting your home, your loved ones, or your peace of mind, Rebecca makes safety simple, doable, and real.

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