Rosie Romero
Special to the Arizona Daily Star

It feels like a newer term — the one we use to describe those hooligans that steal mail and packages from our boxes and off our porches or patios — but porch pirate was actually coined in 2010, coinciding with the rise in popularity of e-commerce. These thieves take advantage of unattended packages, often targeting areas with high delivery volumes.

Although we are more leery during the holidays — or what Amazon calls the “haulidays,” between October and January — porch pirates are on the lookout all the time.

According to a CNBC article referencing SafeWise data, an estimated 260 million packages were stolen in 2022 in the U.S. Just two years later, in 2024, CBS reported that $12 billion worth of goods was taken, right out from under our noses — and our cameras.

Local mailman Robert Emery has been delivering mail for a decade-plus and knows that delivering packages has its drawbacks. He says, “As a mailman, when I deliver packages to homes that face a street, I look for a place to leave the package that is not visible from the street, like a pillar or a planter. Many people don’t create this option for me, and I always walk away from the exposed package hoping the customer gets it before the pirate does!”

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There are some things you can do if you receive regular packages to your door.

Jared Wright of Harmony Security — a statewide Rosie-Certified Partner — identified several reasons why homeowners and businesses rely on security systems as an essential layer of protection. One of the most significant is property awareness. Security cameras add a level of deterrence and visibility. In the event of a break-in or suspicious activity, these systems can alert the police quickly and provide video evidence.

Video surveillance remains at the top of the list, and Harmony Security offers systems that store footage locally, rather than in the cloud, for enhanced cybersecurity.

Most setups also include smartphone and tablet apps, giving users the ability to monitor their property remotely, track deliveries, and manage access codes for service workers.

Here are a few other tips to keep our mail safe:

Stay aware

Pay attention to the traffic in your neighborhood. If you notice a vehicle frequently following delivery trucks, try to note the license plate and report it.

Use the Nextdoor App

Nextdoor connects neighbors with one another and local services. Many users share screenshots and videos of porch pirates in action to help others stay alert and identify suspects.

Leave clear delivery instructions

When placing an order, use the delivery instructions section to specify a safe, concealed location for your package.

Opt for expedited delivery

Many shipping companies offer guaranteed delivery by a specific time. Schedule these deliveries for when someone will be home to receive the package.

Require a signature

Most carriers (UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS) offer a “signature required” option. If you won’t be home, you may be able to redirect the package to a trusted neighbor or a pickup location. Services like UPS MyChoice and FedEx Delivery Manager provide flexibility, though some options may include a fee.

Add motion-activated lights

Motion lights turn on when movement is detected and automatically shut off after. To improve effectiveness, install lights closer to high-traffic areas like walkways or driveways and adjust their sensitivity to distinguish between people, vehicles or animals.

Try Amazon Key

Amazon Prime members in eligible areas can have packages delivered inside their garages using Amazon Key. Just choose “in garage delivery” at checkout — you’ll be able to track the package the whole way.

Ship to a commercial address

If possible, have your packages delivered to a commercial address where someone is available to accept them. Carriers typically won’t leave packages outside these locations after business hours, reducing theft risk.

Use an Amazon Hub Locker

Select an Amazon Hub Locker at checkout. These lockers are located in stores and other public areas. After receiving a pickup notification, retrieve your package within 15 days. Locker+ locations may offer additional services.

Look into off-site lock boxes

FedEx, UPS and Amazon offer secure off-site lockers for package pickup. These provide another alternative to front-porch delivery.

Install a front door drop box

Secure parcel drop boxes to your front porch. Options like ParcelWirx by RTS Home Accents come in various styles and materials. Chest-style boxes often require an external lock, and smart locks can add extra security. Prices vary widely ($100–$900+), so choose one that fits your budget and needs. Just be sure delivery drivers will use it — it adds a step to their process.

Porch pirates are snatching more packages than ever, but there’s a lot you can do to deter them. From tracking deliveries and using apps like Nextdoor to adding cameras or lockboxes, a few simple steps can help keep your stuff safe.

Protect your home, too

Don’t stop with packages — protect your home, too.

There are plenty of ways to deter thieves, and the first starts with the most obvious point of entry: doors. Inspect all exterior doors and replace any hollow ones with solid-core fiberglass models. The deadbolt in any glass door should be double cylinder and bump key resistant.

Upgrade decorative glass sidelights to impact-resistant glass, and eliminate easy access points like mail slots and pet doors. Install deadbolt locks and ensure all windows have strong, functioning locks — and make sure the jamb is reinforced to make kicking the door in as hard as possible, because this is one of the number one ways a burglar gets into a home.

You should also improve outdoor lighting with energy-efficient options like LEDs or solar-powered floodlights, and connect them to motion sensors or timers. Landscaping can be used as a natural barrier — plant thorny bushes or cacti under windows and add gravel, making any kind of movement heard.

Another way to discourage people messing with your property is to personalize your space. Clearly display house numbers, raise the entryway slightly, and add small statues or engraved nameplates to create a sense of ownership and boundaries. Consider automated lighting, motion sensors, and remote monitoring via smartphone or computer. These systems can notify you or authorities of intrusions, offering peace of mind whether you’re home or away.

Lastly — and these might be fairly obvious — but don’t open the door for anyone you don’t know, and do not use hide-a-key devices or put your key on the ledge above the door. This is the first place a thief will look to get into the house.

Hang on to your packages this season and don’t let it turn into a “hauliday” at your house!

The top stories from Sunday’s Home+Life section in the Arizona Daily Star.


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