<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579883951052.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BBBThe rise of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/all/online-shopping">online marketplaces</a> and expedited delivery services is a convenient service for many consumers across the nation, allowing <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23348-shop-safe">holiday purchasers</a>
 to search for the perfect gift for friends and family. Unfortunately, 
purchasing and having the item delivered to the proper address does not 
guarantee you will receive it. According to market research firm <a href="https://www.crresearch.com/blog/2022-package-theft-statistics-report" target="_blank">C+R Research</a>,
 package theft continues to be an issue for many Americans, with 
approximately 14% of consumers experiencing package theft in 2022.Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage 
of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple 
times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that 
provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/14276-bbb-safe-delivery-tips-for-holiday-shipping">packages are delivered</a>
 is within 25 feet of the street and are easily visible. Over the past 
five years, internet searches using the keywords “package stolen” nearly
 doubled <a href="https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&amp;geo=US&amp;q=package%20stolen" target="_blank">during December</a>, demonstrating the impact of this crime on households across the nation.As a crime of opportunity, preventing or discouraging package theft 
can be accomplished in several ways, depending on the location of your 
residence, type, and community. For instance, preventing package theft 
at an apartment complex in the middle of the city differs from a 
suburban residential community. However, consumers can use specific 
strategies to discourage the act no matter where they live.BBB provides the following tips to prevent package thieves from affecting your holiday plans (and the rest of the year):<ul>
 <li>Check with neighbors.&nbsp;Sometimes, your package may 
not be stolen, just simply at the wrong address. Before filing a report 
or contacting the sender, check with your neighbors and see if the 
delivery service may have dropped off your package at the wrong address.
 Many delivery companies will take pictures of your package in the 
designated location – be sure to check for the photo and verify it is at
 the right spot.</li><li>Don’t leave unattended packages.&nbsp;When possible, do 
not leave delivered packages unattended for long periods. If you are 
expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you 
will be home. Ask your neighbors if they would mind holding on to 
packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time during 
the holidays.</li><li>Ship to store.&nbsp;If purchasing an item from a 
retailer that has a physical location near your home, consider shipping 
it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or 
identification before releasing packages they have received, and this is
 a sure way to avoid porch pirates.</li><li>Use a security camera.&nbsp;Installing a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/2270-bbb-tip-buying-a-home-security-system">home security system</a> with cameras or simply a <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/26369-bbb-tip-your-guide-to-purchasing-a-smart-doorbell">camera-enabled doorbell</a>
 is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. 
Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is
 under surveillance. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the 
video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be 
wary of the risk of <a href="https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/20827-dont-let-these-scary-cyber-safety-risks-creep-up-on-you">internet-connected devices</a> and research before you purchase).</li><li>Require a signature.&nbsp;Many delivery companies 
include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, 
letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is 
delivered. While this option works well for those who are often at home,
 especially for expensive items, it may create difficulties in receiving
 packages if your schedule and the delivery service are different. Be 
sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages 
that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a 
certain number of attempts.</li><li>Consider a package receiving service.&nbsp;Some major 
retailers, such as Amazon, offer secure package receiving locations away
 from your home that you can access with a key or code. Some independent
 businesses also specialize in this service, allowing you to designate a
 different delivery location for your packages and the ability to pick 
them up on your way home.</li>
 </ul>If you fear that your package has been stolen, file a report with 
your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on 
which delivery service you use, they may offer insurance or other 
policies to reimburse you for your losses.

6 steps to stop porch pirates this holiday season