CNET Survey: Holiday Shoppers May Have $291 in Deliveries at Risk of Theft. How to Keep Porch Pirates at Bay
If you’re like me, you know the luxury of having a package delivered to your home, especially if you Find a good deal From your couch. As more and more people rely on the convenience of online shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals,risk Porch theft also increased. This year, more and more shoppers are taking steps to ward off porch thieves.
A new CNET survey finds that 71% of U.S. shoppers have plans to prevent package theft this year holidayhigher than last year’s 68%. from doorbell camera More and more Americans are becoming proactive in protecting their purchases with tracking technology. This isn’t shocking to experts, especially since so many more packages are being stolen in broad daylight.
“I’m not surprised by the number,” said Ed BurnettRetired vice president of security and global fraud investigations at UPS. “Package thefts by porch thieves have been increasing year over year for many years, especially during the holiday season.”
Here’s what CNET’s latest investigation uncovered about holiday porch thefts and what experts recommend doing to keep you safe holiday shipping This year.
- 71% of U.S. adults are taking or plan to take action to prevent package theft, an increase of 3% from last year. Meanwhile, 17% have no plans to do anything.
- This holiday season, the average value of packages shipped to a person’s home or address is expected to be $291 per U.S. adult.
- Most companies planning to take action will use package tracking technology to track their packages.
- 28% do not plan to leave home alone for more than a few hours this holiday season.
- One in four adults aged 18 to 34 know someone whose package has been stolen.
Package theft via digital
While a majority of U.S. adults (66%) say they have not experienced a package being stolen, one in six Americans (17%) has experienced one in the past year. The survey also revealed that nearly one in ten (8%) people have experienced an attempted package theft and more than one in five (21%) know someone whose package was stolen.
The survey found that the average package value across all participants was $291.38 (based on the average package amount provided by 2,467 U.S. adults surveyed). If this number is spread out over the entire season, the number of packages at risk of being stolen this quarter could reach $76 billion. 262 million people 18+ in the US.
If your package is stolen, it can be difficult to get your money back, especially if you didn’t pay with a credit card that offers the following purchase protection to replace items. Experts recommend taking immediate action 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 for three hours to three days this holiday season, which could be the perfect opportunity for porch thieves to snatch packages. Here’s how experts recommend protecting your cargo.
Sign up for tracking and delivery alerts
Porch theft is a “crime of opportunity.” Burnett said. If you can get your hands on your package within a few minutes of it arriving, you reduce the chance of a thief stealing from you.
Most U.S. shoppers will use purchase-to-delivery tracking technology to monitor their holiday purchases. Some shipping and package services (such as UPS, FedEx, Amazon, and USPS) provide updates via text message or email, and some delivery services also send photos of where your package has been dropped off. Burnett agrees it’s a good way to track deliveries, but notes that estimated delivery times aren’t always accurate.
If you are waiting for a delivery, be sure to turn on the alert to ensure you pick it up from your doorstep as soon as it is delivered. If it is a high-value item, you may choose to require a signature to prevent it from being delivered while you are not home.
Install a doorbell or home security camera
This year 41% of Americans plan to use monitor and doorbell cameras to protect their packages, a move Burnett said could deter porch pirates.
If you don’t have a security device, CNET’s Home Security Editor, Tyler Lacomait is recommended to stick to simple video doorbell It can identify packages and send mobile alerts when they appear or disappear. We recommend you check out Ring Battery Doorbell Pro and Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell If you are looking for wireless options.
These devices don’t always prevent theft, but they provide footage of the crime. If your package is stolen, Burnett recommends reporting it to police and sharing video footage with law enforcement.
Read more: Best video doorbell cameras
Schedule package pickup
If your neighborhood has had a package theft recently, Lacoma also recommends taking additional security measures to protect your packages.
“If there have been recent package thefts in your area, you should consider additional measures, such as lockable package delivery boxes or in-garage delivery services,” Lacoma said.
Most mail delivery services can hold your package for a few days if you’re not home. For example, UPS offers free package storage locations to its UPS My Choice members and allows you to track and hold packages at UPS for up to 7 days. Amazon also has lockers Schedule your Amazon package delivery Pickup locations like Kohl’s and Whole Foods.
Ask your neighbors for help
Our survey found that 18% of people plan to ask a neighbor to pick up a package while they are away from home or guarding their home, a suggestion Burnett supports.
If you’re going on vacation or receive an important package while at work, coordinate with your neighbors to have them pick it up. If they need help getting a package when they leave, be sure to reciprocate.
Install package delivery lockbox
If your neighbors are unable to help, you may consider other measures, such as setting up a Parcel delivery lock box Have the carrier deliver your packages and keep them safe until you get home.
A package delivery lock box is a box that sits at your front door that is large enough for the carrier to drop off your package and store it safely while you are away. When you get home, you can use your key or code to open the box and easily remove your items. Sizes and designs may vary, and prices typically range from $200 to $400.
Read more: Prevent package theft: 5 smart home devices to protect your deliveries
Deliver in your garage with Amazon Key
Amazon Prime members who own a smart garage door opener have another option for secure deliveries: Amazon Key. If you’re a Prime member, you can use Amazon Key’s in-garage delivery service to have items delivered to your garage. You’ll use the app to link your smart garage opener to Amazon Key. When you check out on Amazon, select “Free Key Delivery.”
You need to feel comfortable letting delivery drivers into your garage. You can add cameras to monitor the driver and surrounding area.
Read more: Best Outdoor Home Security Cameras
What to do if your package is stolen
If your package is stolen, here are what experts suggest you should do.
1. Report the crime to the police
Burnett noted that his biggest concern about criminals continuing to steal packages is the lack of police reports after packages are stolen, meaning criminals may get away with it. You’ll 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 pennsylvaniaporch theft is now a felony.
2. Check for purchase protection
Next, if your package is stolen, try contacting the seller for resolution. If you use a credit card with purchase protection, you may be able to get an exchange or refund. But this Credit card benefits Depending on your card issuer, there may be some restrictions, such as the maximum amount of a purchase and the number of days after delivery.
CNET’s credit card editor says: “Most purchase protections last 90 to 120 days, so as long as you file your claim within that period, you’re good to go” Evan Zimmer. Make sure you also have the appropriate documentation that your credit card issuer may need to submit a claim, he adds. For example, a receipt, or in the case of theft, a police report.
4. Alert neighbors
You may be worried about your home or neighborhood being targeted again. If you have your neighbor’s phone number, call or text them to alert them. You can also try emailing or calling your homeowners association to let them know.
Your community may also help catch the bad guys if they come back. Try to share as much information as possible, including delivery service and estimated arrival time. This way your neighbors can remain vigilant about you and their home.
methodology
CNET commissioned YouGov Plc to conduct the survey. Unless otherwise stated, all data comes from YouGov Plc. Unless otherwise stated, all data comes from YouGov Plc. The total sample was 2,467 adults. The field survey was conducted between October 28 and 30, 2024. The survey was conducted online. The numbers are weighted and representative of all U.S. adults (18 and older).
