The Best Ways to Protect Your Packages from Theft

The thrill of online shopping—one click, and your latest purchase is on its way. But then comes the waiting game, the constant checking, and the refreshing for tracking updates. And let’s be honest: nothing kills that new-purchase excitement faster than realizing your package has disappeared, likely taken by a porch pirate.

Package theft is a growing problem, but the good news is that smart home technology is also helping. With solutions like myQ, you can learn how to prevent package theft, protect your deliveries, and keep sneaky thieves at bay.

Here’s how you can regain control and ensure your packages end up in your hands—not in someone else’s getaway bag.

Why Package Theft is on the Rise

Porch piracy is more common than ever. According to a recent study, nearly half—45%—of Americans have fallen victim to package theft. This averages to a $228 annual loss in value of stolen packages.

To battle this epidemic, states have passed laws to elevate package theft from a misdemeanor to a felony. That said, if you live in the following states, it can be helpful to file a police report if you experience package theft:

• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Kentucky
• Michigan
• Missouri
• New Jersey
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas

For those living in California, Kansas, New York, and South Carolina, legislators are currently in the process of making similar legal transitions.

Federally, lawmakers introduced the Porch Pirates Act in July 2024, which proposes treating porch piracy as a federal crime, as is the theft of mail.

If your package goes missing, acting quickly can increase your chances of getting it back. Here’s what to do:

1. Check your tracking information – Sometimes, carriers mark a package as “delivered” before it actually arrives.
2. Look around your property – Check hidden areas or ask neighbors if they mistakenly received it.
3. Review security footage – If you have a doorbell camera or security system, check for suspicious activity.
4. File a report with the carrier – Contact USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon to report the missing package. Many offer reimbursement or reshipment policies.
5. Notify local authorities – File a police report, especially if you have evidence of theft. This is crucial in states where package theft is a felony.
6. Alert your neighbors – If package theft is common in your area, warning others can help prevent future incidents.

All that said, millions of packages still disappear each year, leaving homeowners frustrated and out of pocket. And with the convenience of online shopping skyrocketing, thieves grow bolder by the day.

Fortunately, package thieves aren’t exactly criminal masterminds—but they are opportunists.

They watch for delivery trucks, follow them, and snatch packages within seconds of drop-off. Some even dress as delivery drivers to avoid suspicion. And if they’re feeling extra ambitious? They’ll check porches multiple times a day, hoping for an easy score.

To prevent piracy, consider establishing smart security systems that monitor your home around the clock.

Smart Security Solutions to Prevent Package Theft

Knowing how to protect packages from being stolen is the first step. Then, what’s the best way to stop porch pirates in their tracks? A little smart home security goes a long way when learning how to prevent porch pirates.

Security Cameras and Motion Sensors

A well-placed security camera can work wonders against theft. The mere sight of a camera can make a thief think twice.

And if they’re bold enough to grab your package anyway? You’ll have crystal-clear footage to help catch them. Motion sensors with alerts can also keep you in the loop if someone approaches your porch unexpectedly.

Some advanced cameras even come with AI-powered motion detection, which can distinguish between people, cars, and animals—so you’re only notified about real threats.

Package Lockboxes and Secure Drop-Off Locations

Some homeowners are turning to lockable package drop boxes—essentially mini safes for deliveries. These boxes can be bolted to your porch and require a code for access, making it nearly impossible for thieves to snatch your goods.

For even more security, Amazon Lockers and UPS Access Points allow you to pick up your packages at secure locations rather than leaving them vulnerable on your doorstep.

How myQ Keeps Deliveries Secure

Enter myQ Smart Garage Control, the ultimate solution for secure package deliveries. Why let your packages sit outside when they can be safely tucked away in your garage?

How myQ Enables In-Garage Deliveries For Added Security

With myQ’s smart garage technology, you can receive packages directly inside your garage—safe from weather, nosy neighbors, and sticky-fingered thieves. This means no more fretting over your latest splurge disappearing before you even get home.

In-garage delivery is especially useful for larger, high-value items, as these are prime targets for theft. Instead of worrying about a new TV or expensive electronics sitting on your porch, you can have them securely delivered inside your home.

myQ also works with Amazon Key and Walmart+ InHome , allowing delivery drivers to securely drop off packages inside your garage. You’ll receive a notification when your package arrives, and you can even watch the delivery in real-time via the myQ app. The best part? This also keeps your deliveries out of sight from passersby, reducing the temptation for theft.

Not home? No problem.

With myQ’s remote access, you can open and close your garage from anywhere. Got a surprise delivery while you’re at work? Just use the app to let the driver in and close the door once they’re done. With real-time notifications, you’ll always know when your garage door opens or closes, or if someone attempts unauthorized access.

It’s peace of mind, right in your pocket.

Additional Steps to Keep Your Deliveries Safe

There are more smart ways to protect your valuable deliveries. Here are some additional tips to prevent package theft:

Request Special Delivery Instructions

Most delivery services allow you to specify a drop-off location. If in-garage delivery isn’t an option, ask the driver to place your package somewhere less visible, like:

• Behind a planter – Hides the package while blending it into outdoor decor.
• Near a side gate – Keeps it out of view from the street.
• Under a bench – Offers subtle coverage while remaining accessible.
• Inside a screened-in porch – Adds an extra layer of security if available.
• Behind a patio chair or furniture – Disguises the package in outdoor seating areas.
• Between large potted plants – Naturally conceals it without drawing attention.
• In a storage bin or deck box – Provides a more secure, weatherproof hiding spot.
• At a back or side door – Reduces visibility from the front of the house.
• Behind a garage or shed – Keeps it out of sight from passersby.
• Under a doormat (for small packages) – Simple but effective for minimal visibility.

If you’re home, you can also leave a note for delivery drivers requesting they ring the doorbell or knock when they drop off a package, so you know to retrieve it immediately.

Require Signatures for High-Value Items

For pricier purchases, opt for signature confirmation to ensure your package is handed directly to you instead of being left unattended. This extra layer of security can prevent theft, especially in areas where porch piracy is common.

Most major carriers, including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon, offer signature-required delivery options for valuable items such as electronics, jewelry, and luxury goods. While this may be an additional cost, it significantly reduces the risk of theft by ensuring that a package is never left exposed on your doorstep.

If you’re not home during the expected delivery window, you can often reschedule the drop-off or redirect the package to a secure pickup location, such as a carrier store, parcel locker, or an Amazon Hub. Some services even allow you to provide an alternate recipient who can sign on your behalf.

Additionally, some retailers offer “white glove” delivery services, where a courier hand-delivers the package inside your home or designated location, adding another layer of protection.

By requiring a signature for high-value purchases, you can minimize the chances of loss or theft, maintain peace of mind, and ensure your investment reaches your hands safely.

Schedule Deliveries for When You’re Home

If possible, try to schedule deliveries for times when you’re available. Some services even offer evening or weekend delivery windows, helping you avoid missed deliveries .

For frequent travelers or people with unpredictable schedules, consider package forwarding services. These services hold your deliveries at a secure location until you can retrieve them, or you can ask a neighbor to collect your package when it arrives.

Neighborhood Watch and Community Involvement

Don’t be afraid to get your neighbors involved.

Many communities use local social media groups or apps like Nextdoor to share alerts about suspicious activity. If everyone keeps an eye out, it becomes much harder for thieves to operate unnoticed.

Protect Your Deliveries with myQ

Knowing how to keep packages from being stolen comes down to implementing smart security and delivery solutions and taking steps to schedule your deliveries for safe measures. Exploring the ways smart home tech prevents package theft can also help you stay one step ahead of porch pirates.

That said, no one should have to play detective over missing packages. With myQ Smart Garage Control, you can keep your deliveries safe, secure, and exactly where they belong—inside your home. Smart security is about making life easier, not more complicated, giving you peace of mind knowing your packages are protected no matter where you are.

Say goodbye to porch pirates and delivery stress. Take control of your deliveries with myQ.

Lombardo Homes. Porch Pirates: Nearly 1 in 2 Americans Have Had A Package Stolen. https://lombardohomes.com/porch-pirates-and-stolen-packages/

Value Penguin. 2024 Porch Pirates Report. https://www.valuepenguin.com/porch-pirates-report

Congress. H.R.9227 - Porch Pirates Act of 2024. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/9227