Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The statistics are eye-opening. According to the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves made off with $8.2 billion worth of online orders in 2025. Overall, one in four Americans has had a package stolen at some point in their lives. 

Porch pirates are obviously still a threat, especially during the holiday season, but there’s no reason you have to be a victim. Explore how a layered strategy and modern smart home technology can keep your parcels protected in Hammond.

Layered protection keeps Hammond package bandits away

Holidays are already stressful enough with travel chaos, scheduling conflicts, overextended budgets, and in-laws who stay too long. The last thing you need is a pilfered package to push you over the edge. So, what can you do to stop it from happening? Ordering a doorbell camera is a smart first step, but there’s more to the puzzle of preventing porch pirates. 

A layered defense can include:

• Security cameras around your home’s perimeter. Let trespassers know they’re being recorded.
• Security signs. It’s old-school but still a powerful deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lighting. A flash of light is often enough to send criminals running. But don’t forget, porch theft commonly happens in broad daylight.
• Connecting with your neighbors. It’s not just about what devices you have. Neighbors should look out for each other and report suspicious behavior. 

Today’s tech improves your protection

Home security keeps evolving. You can leverage these advancements to stop porch theft at your Hammond home. Consider these options:

• Doorbell cameras with two-way communication. Tell delivery people where to leave packages or find out why someone’s on your porch.
• Smart locks and custom automation. Today’s home security systems can be controlled remotely. Open your garage, tell the delivery person put packages inside, and then lock or close the entrance when they’re done. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across doorbell and exterior cameras that activate warning lights or audible alerts if a lurker ventures too close. 

Make smart delivery choices

A layered strategy and modern technology 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 smart choice, particularly for more expensive items. Deliveries will never be left out in the open. 
• Give instructions. Tell couriers where you want packages left and keep them hidden from view.
• Change the delivery address. Ship higher-dollar deliveries to another location, like your office or a self-service locker. Providers like Amazon provide secure lockers in Hammond where you can grab deliveries.

Stop package theft in Hammond with a Vivint smart home

Don’t allow filched packages to spoil your holiday season. An advanced Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your deliveries safe. You’ll appreciate having remote access, custom home automation, and video cameras that proactively deter crime. Talk to delivery drivers or even unlock your front door for package drop-offs, no matter your location. Contact (219) 500-8943 today to learn more and arrange your home security installation in Hammond.