If you’re like me, you know the luxury of having a package delivered to your home, especially when you find a good deal from your couch. With more of us leaning on the convenience of online shopping for Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday dealsthe risk of porch theft also increases. This year, more shoppers are taking steps to keep the porch pirates away.

A new CNET survey found that 71 percent of U.S. shoppers have a plan to prevent package theft holiday seasonup from 68% last year. from doorbell rooms tracking technology, more Americans are being proactive about protecting their purchases. This is no shock to experts, especially since more packages are stolen in broad daylight.

“I’m not surprised by that number,” he said Ed Burnettthe retired vice president of security and global fraud investigations at UPS. “Package theft has increased year-on-year for many years, especially during the holiday season.”

Here’s what CNET’s latest survey found about vacation porch theft and how experts recommend protecting yourself holiday deliveries this year.

Theft of packages by numbers

Although the majority of US adults (66%) reported not having a package stolen, one in six (17%) Americans had a package stolen in the past year. The survey also shows that nearly one in 10 (8%) have caught an attempted package theft and more than one in five (21%) know someone who has had a package stolen.

The survey found that the average package value for all participants comes down to $291.38 (based on average package amounts provided by the 2,467 US adults surveyed). That could add up to $76 billion in steals this season when you spread that number around the world 262 million people in the US over 18 years.

It can be difficult to get your money back if your package is stolen, especially if you didn’t pay with a credit card that offers purchase protection to replace items. Experts suggest taking steps now to prevent thieves from stealing from your doorstep.

How to protect your packages this holiday season

CNET found that most people plan to be away from home anywhere from three hours to up to three days this holiday season, which could be the first opportunity for porch pirates to grab packages. Here’s how experts recommend protecting your shipments.

Sign up for tracking and delivery alerts

Porch theft is a “crime of opportunity.” Burnett said. If you can get your package within minutes of its arrival, you reduce the window of opportunity that thieves have to steal from you.

Most US shoppers will use purchase-to-delivery tracking technology to monitor their holiday purchases. Some shipping and collection services, such as UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and USPS, provide text or email updates, and some delivery services also send a photo of where the package was dropped off. Burnett agrees that it’s a good way to track your deliveries, but noted that estimated delivery times aren’t always accurate.

If you’re expecting a delivery, be sure to turn on alerts to ensure you get it at your door shortly after it arrives. If it’s a high-value item, you might choose to require a signature to prevent it from being delivered when you’re not home.

Install a doorbell or home security camera

This year 41% of Americans plan to use SURVEILLANCE and doorbell cameras to protect their packages, a move Burnett said can keep porch pirates away.

If you don’t have a security device, CNET’s home security editor, Tyler Lacomarecommends sticking with a simple one video ringtone which can recognize packets and send mobile alerts when they appear or disappear. We recommend you check it out Ring Battery Doorbell Pro and the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell if you are looking for a wireless option.

These devices will not always prevent theft, but they will provide images of the crime. If your package is stolen, Burnett recommends filing a police report and sharing the video with law enforcement.

Read more: The best video doorbell cameras

Arrange for package pickup

Lacoma also recommends taking extra safety measures to protect your packages if your neighborhood. recently experienced package theft.

“If you’ve had package theft in your area recently, you should consider taking an extra step, such as a lockable package delivery box or a garage delivery service,” Lacoma said.

Most postal delivery services can hold your packages for a few days if you are away from home. For example, UPS has locations to hold packages for its UPS My Choice members — which is free and allows you to track and hold packages at UPS for up to seven days. And Amazon has lockers too schedule your Amazon package deliveries at pickup locations like Kohl’s and Whole Foods.

Ask your neighbors for help

Our survey found that 18 percent of people plan to ask a neighbor to pick up their packages if they’re not home or to keep an eye on their home, a recommendation that Burnett agrees with.

If you’re going on vacation or have an important delivery while you’re at work, coordinate with a neighbor to pick it up. Be sure to return the favor if they need help picking up a package while they’re gone.

Install a lock box for package delivery

If your neighbors are not available, you may consider other measures, such as setting up a package delivery box for carriers to drop off your packages and keep them safe until you’re home.

A package delivery box is a box by your door. in the front with enough space for the carriers to drop your package and store it safely while you are gone. When you get home, you can use a key or code to open the box and easily get your items. Sizes and designs can vary and typically cost between $200 and $400.

Read more: Prevent package theft: 5 smart home devices to protect your deliveries

Use Amazon Key Delivery to your garage

Amazon Prime members with smart garage door openers have another option for securing deliveries: Amazon Key. If you’re a Prime member, you can receive your garage deliveries using Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. You will connect your smart garage opener to your Amazon Key using the app. When checking out on Amazon, select Free Key Shipping.

You will need to be comfortable letting the delivery driver into the garage. You can add a video camera to monitor the driver and the surrounding area.

Read more: The best outdoor home security cameras

What to do if your package is stolen

If your package gets stolen, here’s what experts say you should do.

1. File a police report

Burnett pointed out that the biggest concern for criminals who continue to steal packages is the lack of police reports filed as soon as packages are stolen — meaning there’s a chance the criminal can get away with it. You will need basic information including shipping information, item description and estimated value. Each state has different laws and penalties for mail theft, but in some states, including Florida and Pennsylvaniafront porch theft is now a felony.

2. Check purchase protection

Then try contacting the seller for help finding a solution if your package is missing. is stolen If you used a credit card with purchase protection, you may be able to get a replacement or refund. But this credit card benefit may have restrictions depending on your card issuer. — such as maximum purchase amount and number of days for delivery.

“Most purchase protection lasts between 90 and 120 days, as long as your claim is filed in that window,” credit card publisher CNET said Evan Zimmer. Make sure you also have the proper documentation that your card issuer of credit you might need to file your claim, he added. For example, a receipt or, in case of theft, a police report.

4. Alert your neighbors

You may be concerned that your home or neighborhood are targeted again. Alert your neighbors by calling or texting them if you have their number. You can also try emailing or calling the homeowners association to let them know.

Your community can also be helpful in catching the bad actor if he returns. Please try to share as much information as possible, including the delivery service and the estimated time it arrived. That way, your neighbors can be vigilant about your home and theirs.

Methodology

CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct this survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 2,467 adults. Field work was undertaken between 28 and 30 October 2024. The survey was conducted online. Figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (age 18 and older).