porch package

Study: One in Four Americans Have Had Package Stolen By “Porch Pirates”

Nearly half of Americans don’t believe that delivery companies are doing enough to prevent theft, but the survey respondents also aren’t willing to change their online shopping habits.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Dec 24, 2019

Package theft and “porch pirates” have become key concerns of American adults both during and outside of the holiday shopping season, with almost one in four adults saying they have had a package stolen in a recent study.

The survey of more than 1,000 online shoppers by Illinois-based Shorr Packaging Corp. found that 24 percent of respondents had a package stolen. Sixty-four percent of people who had a package stolen said they have since decided to mail their packages to a different address to prevent theft, and nearly 80 percent said they have changed their plans to be around to pick up the package right after it’s delivered.

Among all of the respondents, though, Americans were less likely to send a package to a different address. Almost 70 percent said they were not willing to change their holiday shopping practices due to fears of package theft, according to MarketWatch.

But victims of “porch pirates” have taken several steps to improve residential security. One in four people who have had a package stolen said they added a doorbell camera to their front door, and 17 percent said they installed motion lights to sense when someone is at the door.

The study found that 44 percent of all respondents said delivery companies, like Amazon, UPS and FedEx, are not doing enough to prevent package theft. The companies pointed to services that allow customers to track their packages as they are traveling to the delivery point, ostensibly giving consumers the chance to plan their days around package deliveries.

Some package-theft victims reported taking precautions to prevent future porch piracy, shelling out an average of $191 on home security: One in four said they’d added a doorbell camera, 19% said they had added some other camera, 17% employed motion lights, 10% bought a dog, 5% installed a fence or gate, and 4% said they had used Amazon’s AMZN, +0.10% Key and Smart Lock Kit to enable in-home delivery.

UPS suggested to MarketWatch that customers could have shipments sent to where they are during the day or to a trusted friend who is home during the day. Amazon and FedEx have advised worried customers to send their packages to Amazon package lockers at convenience stores or FedEx offices.

Ordering products online and selecting “in-store pickup” is another option to ensure packages are not taken off the porch.

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.