You better watch out, you better not cry — because porch pirates are coming to town, and it might be your package they’ve got their eyes on. According to the annual study by SafeWise, 120.5 million packages were stolen in 2023, costing Americans $16 billion. That’s roughly 261,000 package thefts happening every day.
SafeWise surveyed over 7,500 Americans and combined FBI crime reports to analyze package theft trends nationwide and identify the metro areas most targeted by porch pirates.
Here are the 10 cities that made the list, along with advice on how to avoid becoming a victim yourself.
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10. Cleveland
- Financial loss: $132.6M
- Total incidents: 1,178,659
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 1,370
9. Boston
- Financial loss: $143.7M
- Total incidents: 1,114,010
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 568
8. Dallas-Fort Worth
- Financial loss: $151.2M
- Total incidents: 1,128,376
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 350
7. Charlotte, North Carolina
- Financial loss: $152.5M
- Total incidents: 1,219,787
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 546
6. Atlanta
- Financial loss: $154.5M
- Total incidents: 1,115,698
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 444
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5. Houston
- Financial loss: $207.4M
- Total incidents: 1,547,983
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 517
4. Washington, D.C.
- Financial loss: $231.6M
- Total incidents: 2,458,211
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 326
3. Chicago
- Financial loss: $261.9M
- Total incidents: 2,685,835
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 728
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2. Philadelphia
- Financial loss: $450.0M
- Total incidents: 4,188,469
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 561
1. New York City
- Financial loss: $945.1M
- Total incidents: 9,220,543
- Incidents per 1,000 households: 593
Which Packages Get Swiped the Most?
- Amazon packages: Accounting for 33% of thefts, Amazon deliveries are the most common target, likely due to their popularity.
- USPS deliveries: Represent 18% of thefts.
- FedEx and UPS packages: These carriers follow closely, at 17% and 16%, respectively.
- Groceries and meal kits: Make up 7% and 4% of thefts.
- Everyday items: 67% of stolen packages were valued under $100
Who’s Most at Risk of Package Theft?
After reviewing hours of porch piracy footage, SafeWise, in collaboration with Dr. Ben Stickle pinpointed the key factors that increase the risk of package theft:
- Porch proximity to the street: Homes with porches less than 25 feet from the road are easier targets.
- Visibility of packages: Items that can be seen from the street act as “open invitations” to thieves.
- Cul-de-sac homes: Surprisingly, houses on cul-de-sacs are just as vulnerable as those on busier streets.
- Single-family homes: Over 60% of victims live in detached houses, making them the most common target.
- Income level: 75% of package theft victims have annual incomes below $100,000.
- Signs of vacancy: Homes with rarely moved cars, consistent lighting, or open blinds are likelier to attract thieves.
“Package theft is a crime of opportunity. The more packages left for longer periods of time on a porch, the more likely they are to be stolen,” explained Stickle, who also noted that holiday routines often increase the risk of theft, as packages are left unattended for longer stretches.
Tips to Keep Your Packages Safe
SafeWise recommends these five steps to take to help keep your packages safe from thieves
- Opt into delivery alerts to track your packages and know exactly when they arrive.
- Require signatures for deliveries to ensure valuable items aren’t left unattended.
- Make alternative arrangements like using package lockers or having a neighbor receive your delivery.
- Use technology such as doorbell cameras or outdoor security systems for added security.
- Work with your neighbors to create a plan and keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
What to Do if Your Package Gets Stolen
If you’ve fallen victim to a porch pirate, SafeWise says all hope isn’t lost. These steps might help you recover your stolen item:
- Contact the seller: Many companies offer replacements or refunds, with 45% of victims reporting success after contacting the seller.
- Report to the carrier: While less common, 14% of respondents received compensation from their delivery service provider.
- Report the theft to the police: It may not bring your package back, but it helps track crime trends in your area.
- Check your insurance policy: Some homeowner or renter policies include coverage for stolen packages.
- Share security footage: If you have a camera, share any relevant clips with neighbors or community groups to spread awareness and aid prevention efforts.
