Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The data is stunning. As noted in the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves stole $8.2 billion in online delivery orders in 2025. In all, around 25% of Americans have had a package pilfered at some time in their lives. 

Porch pirates are clearly still a threat, particularly during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a victim. Discover how a layered strategy and modern smart home technology can keep your packages protected in Chandler.

A layered defense keeps Chandler porch pirates away

Holidays are stressful enough with scheduling conflicts, travel delays, budgets stretched to the limit, and inlaws who stay too long. The last thing you want is a missing delivery to send you over the top. So, how do you prevent it from happening? Ordering a doorbell camera is a good idea, but there’s a lot more to preventing porch pirates. 

A layered strategy can include:

• Surveillance cameras along your home’s border. Let trespassers know someone’s watching.
• Home security signage. It’s simple but still an effective deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lighting. A sudden burst of light is usually enough to send criminals running. Just remember, porch theft commonly takes place during the day.
• Getting to know your neighbors. It’s not just about what devices you have in place. Neighbors can look out for one another and flag suspicious behavior. 

Modern technology improves your defense

Home security continues to evolve. You can use these advancements to stop porch theft at your Chandler property. Here are some worth considering:

• Doorbell cameras with two-way communication. Give instructions to delivery drivers or find out why someone’s on your porch.
• Smart locks and home automation. Modern home security can be operated remotely. Unlock your front door or open your garage, let the delivery person put packages inside, and then lock or close the entrance when they leave. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across doorbell and exterior cameras that activate a bright light or audible alerts if someone gets too close. 

Make smarter delivery decisions

A layered approach and modern tech will help prevent package theft, but you can also stay a step ahead by making smarter delivery choices. For example:

• Require a signature. This is a great choice, specifically for more expensive items. Your packages will never be left sitting outside. 
• Give instructions. Tell couriers where you would like parcels left and keep them out of sight.
• Redirect packages. Ship higher-dollar deliveries to somewhere else, like your office or a self-service locker. Carriers like Amazon provide secure lockers in Chandler where you can pick up deliveries.

Stop package theft in Chandler with a Vivint smart home

Don’t allow filched packages to ruin your holiday season. A modern Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your parcels safe. You’ll appreciate having remote access, smart home automation, and surveillance devices that actively deter crime. Speak with couriers or even open your garage for package drop-offs, even when you’re away. Contact (480) 739-3177 today to learn more and arrange your smart home installation in Chandler.