How to Keep Packages Safe from Porch Pirates

It’s Not Just a Holiday Problem Anymore

Published: 08-Apr-2025

TL;DR

Porch pirates love easy targets—visible packages, dark porches, and homes with no cameras. To protect your deliveries, use lockboxes, leave delivery instructions, install a doorbell camera, light up your porch, and team up with a trusted neighbor. 

Simple layers of security make stealing from you way more trouble than it's worth.

You know, it used to be that porch piracy was mostly a December problem.

You’d hear all the horror stories around Christmas—people stealing packages off porches, disappearing gifts, the whole nine yards.

But now? It’s year-round.

And trust me, I’ve seen it happen. I’ve had neighbors lose everything from birthday presents to basic grocery deliveries because someone thought it was okay to walk up, grab a box, and walk away. No shame, no second thought.

It’s not just about the expensive stuff, either. Sometimes it’s a $20 order. Sometimes it’s important documents, meds, even kids’ school supplies. And when it’s something you actually need—not just want—that’s when it really stings.

So if you’re thinking,

“Is it really worth worrying about a couple packages?”
Let me tell you—yeah, it is. Because it’s not just about the money. It’s about your peace of mind.

The good news?

Keeping your packages safe doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There’s a bunch of easy stuff you can do that seriously lowers your chances of getting hit.

Why Porch Pirates Love Easy Targets

Alright, let’s talk about what makes a house a magnet for porch pirates.

Because here’s the thing: these folks aren’t usually masterminds plotting a grand heist. Most of them are looking for low-risk, easy rewards.

They cruise neighborhoods and look for places where they can snag a package in less than 10 seconds without anyone noticing.

And believe me, after seeing this happen enough times, there’s a pattern.

Visible Packages Are Basically Invitations

If someone can see a box from the street, you’re already halfway to losing it.

“But it’s just a plain brown box—why would they bother?”

Because they don’t care what’s inside. It could be a laptop, it could be socks—they’re betting they can either use it, sell it, or trade it. They’re not picky.

That’s why it’s key to keep deliveries out of obvious sight whenever possible.

Dark or Hidden Entryways Help Thieves

A front porch that’s shadowed or tucked behind bushes? That’s an ideal setup—for them.

If a thief thinks they can sneak up without being seen, they’re way more likely to take the chance. No lighting, no cameras, no neighbors who can spot them? That’s like waving a giant “free stuff here” flag.

No Cameras = No Pressure

When there’s no visible security—no cameras, no signs, no motion lights—people act differently.

I’ve seen it firsthand when I helped a neighbor upgrade their setup. Before they had cameras? Package thefts every few months.

After putting up a visible doorbell camera and a small “Smile, You’re on Camera” sign? Zero issues since.

You don’t even have to catch someone—just letting them know they’re being watched is enough to make most of them bail.

So, what’s the real takeaway?”

Make it look like stealing from you would be a hassle.

Thieves are lazy. They want easy. You show a few signs that you’re paying attention, and chances are they’ll skip your porch for someone else’s.

Coming up next, I’ll walk you through simple, practical ways to keep your packages safe—stuff you can start doing today without breaking a sweat (or the bank).

Simple, Practical Ways to Keep Your Packages Safe

Now that we know why porch pirates do what they do, let’s talk about what you can actually do to shut them down.

And good news—you don’t need to turn your house into Fort Knox. A few small moves can make a big difference. Let’s break it down

1. Use a Lockbox or Package Delivery Box

One of the easiest ways to protect your deliveries is to give them a safe place to land.

I’m a big fan of package lockboxes. You can buy heavy-duty versions that bolt to your porch or even go the DIY route with a sturdy, weatherproof storage box and a basic padlock setup.

“Won’t thieves just break into it?”

Most of the time, no. Again, porch pirates want quick, easy scores—not a wrestling match with a bolted-down box. If they see a lock, they’re usually moving on.

There are also smart lockboxes now that open with delivery codes if you want to get fancy, but honestly, even a simple locked chest does the job pretty well.

2. Give Specific Delivery Instructions

This is one that almost nobody uses—but it’s free and super effective.

When you place an order, most sites let you add delivery instructions. Tell the driver to leave the package at your back door, inside a screened porch, behind a planter, or wherever it’s less visible from the street.

You can get a sign like this one (click the link).

Package delivery sign (source: Amazon)

“Do delivery drivers actually follow those notes?”

In my experience? About 80% of the time, yeah. And that 80% massively cuts your risk compared to just leaving it front and center.

3. Install a Doorbell Camera or Front Porch Camera

You knew this one was coming, right?

A doorbell cam is one of the best investments you can make for front porch security. I’m talking Ring, Eufy, Arlo—doesn’t really matter which brand. Just get one with motion detection and live notifications.

Here is a Ring collection on Amazon.

And yes, it’s worth it. I’ve watched plenty of footage where someone walks up, sees the little glowing camera light, and just… keeps on walking. They don’t even test it.

Plus, if something does happen, you’ve got footage ready to send to the police or your neighborhood watch group.

4. Schedule Deliveries for When You’re Home

I know it’s not always possible, but if you can plan your deliveries, do it.

Services like Amazon Day let you group packages to arrive on a day you choose. USPS, FedEx, and UPS also let you sign up for free accounts to reschedule deliveries or hold packages if you’re not going to be around.

Even setting up deliveries for evenings or weekends when you’re home can cut your risk way down.

“Isn’t that a hassle?”

Maybe a little at first. But once you get into the habit, it’s no big deal—and it’s a lot less hassle than dealing with a stolen package claim.

5. Team Up with a Trusted Neighbor

This one’s old-school, but it still works great.

If you know you won’t be home for a delivery, text a neighbor you trust and ask if they can snag it for you. I’ve done this for neighbors and had them do it for me, and it’s saved a lot of headaches.

Plus, it builds a little extra community watch vibe on your block—and thieves hate that.

“What if I don’t know my neighbors?”

Then maybe this is a good excuse to introduce yourself! A simple, “Hey, if you ever see a package sitting here too long, feel free to grab it” can go a long way. Most people are happy to help, and it makes your whole street a little safer.

Next up, we’ll get into extra security moves for when package theft is a real problem in your area.

(And trust me—some of these tips are easier than you might think!)

Extra Security Moves If Porch Piracy Is a Big Problem

If you live in a spot where package theft is more than just an occasional headache—maybe you’ve been hit a few times, or you’ve seen your neighbors posting angry photos in the local Facebook group—you might want to go a step further.

Don’t worry, I’m not about to suggest you sit on your porch with a baseball bat all day.

(Tempting as that might sound.)

Instead, here are some extra moves you can layer on if you want to really lock things down.

1. Put Up Security Signs

This is one of the cheapest, quickest upgrades you can make.

Grab a simple sign that says something like:

• “24/7 Surveillance in Use”
• “All Deliveries Recorded”
• “Smile! You’re on Camera”

Here is one sign that you can get.

“Does a little sign really work?”

You’d be surprised. A lot of thieves look for the easiest target. If your house looks like a hassle because it’s got cameras, signs, and a neighbor’s house in view—they’ll often move on to a porch that doesn’t.

2. Light Up Your Porch

Dark porches are perfect for thieves. If they can sneak up under cover of night, nobody sees a thing.

Install a motion-activated porch light (like this one) or even just a brighter static light that stays on at night. I personally like the solar motion lights you can stick right above your door or on a porch post. Super easy, no wiring required.

Even better? A light that kicks on when someone steps onto the porch. It doesn’t just expose them—it might make them panic and bolt.

3. Add a Fence or Barrier

A fence is one of the things that can boost home security.

Now, I’m not saying you need a medieval drawbridge here.

But even a small decorative fence or rail between your porch and the street can slow someone down.

It’s another layer of friction—and like I’ve said before, friction is the enemy of easy theft.

“Isn’t that a little much just for packages?”

Depends. If you’ve had repeat issues, it’s worth it. Plus, gates look nice and can boost your curb appeal a little too.

4. Use Amazon Lockers or Store Pickup

If porch piracy gets really bad in your area and you don’t want to play the odds anymore, think about using package lockers like this one from Amazon.

Amazon Lockers, UPS Access Points, even store pickup options let you grab your deliveries at a secure location instead of leaving them sitting on your porch.

Yeah, it’s less convenient than having it dropped at your door—but it’s a guaranteed way to keep stuff from walking off while you’re at work or out of town.

“Is it worth doing all this if I’ve only lost one or two packages?”

Honestly? It depends on what you’re comfortable with. Some folks shrug it off.

Others feel violated when someone walks right up to their front door and steals from them—and they want to take back control.

In my view, a few simple steps now can save you a lot of frustration (and money) later.

Up next, I’ll wrap it all up with some final thoughts—because like most home security stuff, it’s all about layers, not miracles.

Final Thoughts: Layer Your Defenses, Keep It Simple

At the end of the day, keeping your packages safe isn’t about building a fortress. It’s about stacking a few smart habits so stealing from you just isn’t worth the effort.

You don’t have to spend a fortune, and you don’t have to turn your house into some high-security bunker. You just have to make it look like you’re paying attention—and that there are way easier targets somewhere else.

“So what’s the best thing I can do if I’m starting from scratch?”

If I had to pick a quick starter kit, it’d be this:

• Add a doorbell camera or porch cam
• Put up a simple surveillance sign
• Use delivery instructions to hide packages
• Install a motion-activated porch light
• Talk to your neighbor about grabbing stuff when you’re away

That combo alone knocks out most casual porch pirates before they even step onto your property

And here’s the real secret: you don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to make your porch a worse option than the next guy’s. That’s it.

Because when thieves are cruising down the street looking for an easy grab, they’re not looking for a challenge.

They’re looking for that wide-open, dark, no-cameras, package-sitting-on-the-doormat kind of place.

Not you.

Bottom line? Stay a little alert, make a few smart moves, and you’ll keep your stuff (and your sanity) where it belongs.