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How to Stop Package Theft: Practical Fixes Before the Holidays

By Guardian Angel DIY · Updated October 27, 2026 · 8 min read

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A package on the porch is an invitation. It shows that something worth taking arrived, it tells a passer-by exactly when, and it often sits in view for hours. Package theft peaks around the holidays, when deliveries double and many homes are empty during the day. You cannot stop every theft, but you can make your packages much harder to take, and you can make sure you are not out the money when one disappears. This guide covers the options in order, from free habits to cameras.

Why packages get stolen

Package thieves do not need skill or tools. They need a visible box and a few seconds. Three things make a home an easy target:

• The box is visible from the street. A package at the door, in front of a closed door and no one home, is an easy grab.
• The delivery time is predictable. Many carriers deliver at similar times each day, and some thieves follow delivery trucks.
• The risk to the thief is low. No camera, no light and no neighbors watching means no chance of being seen.

Every fix in this guide changes one of those three things: where the package goes, how long it waits, or how likely the thief is to be seen.

Fix 1: Change where the package goes (free)

The most reliable fix is to avoid the porch altogether. Options include:

• Lockers. Amazon offers delivery to a locker location, and you pick up the package with a code. Shipping to a locker is free, but the item must be under 10 pounds and fit size limits, and you generally have three days to collect it. Check the current rules at checkout.
• Carrier pickup points. The major carriers offer ways to collect packages at a store or a service point instead of your door. Terms, fees and hold periods vary, so check each carrier's current options.
• Delivery to work. If your employer allows it, a mailroom or reception desk is safer than an empty porch. Ask first.
• A trusted neighbor or friend who is home during the day. Offer to return the favor.
• Store pickup. Many retailers let you order online and pick up in store, which skips shipping entirely.

Fix 2: Shorten the wait (free)

• Turn on tracking alerts. Carriers and retailers send updates when a package is out for delivery and when it arrives. Alerts let you or a neighbor bring it inside quickly.
• Choose a delivery window when one is offered, and be home or have someone home.
• Require a signature for valuable items, if you can be there to sign.
• Ask the carrier to leave it somewhere out of sight. Many allow delivery instructions, such as behind a planter, inside a gate or in a side porch. The more hidden, the better, but check that it is a spot that stays dry and that the driver can reach.
• Hold deliveries when you travel. Pause delivery, or have packages go to a trusted person. Our guide on holiday travel and home security has a full checklist.

Fix 3: Hide what the box says (free)

• Break down boxes right away. A large television or laptop box at the curb tells everyone what you now own. Cut it down and put it in the recycling bin, not on the street.
• Ask for plain packaging. Some retailers ship in plain boxes. For expensive items, choose that option if offered.
• Do not announce purchases. Posting a new device or a large gift online tells strangers what is inside your house.

Fix 4: Add a camera and light ($12 to $100)

A video doorbell shows who comes to your door, records the person who takes a package, and gives you a clip to share with police. It also deters some thieves, who do not want to be filmed. Pick the type that fits your home:

• Budget: an entry-level doorbell camera for a very low price. It is a reasonable starting point, but check reviews and the storage plan.
• Wired: a mid-range doorbell that uses your existing wiring and can record to a card, which avoids a monthly cloud fee.
• Battery: an easy install if you have no wiring, with more features on a paid plan.

Our video doorbell vs. security camera guide compares them in detail. Whichever you choose, add light, since a camera needs it to capture a clear picture at night. An inexpensive dusk-to-dawn bulb in the porch fixture gives steady light with no wiring. See our lighting guide for more.

Fix 5: Use your neighbors

People are your best sensor. A neighbor who knows your delivery habits will notice a box that sits too long, or a stranger who walks off with it. Trade phone numbers, tell each other when you will be away, and agree to move packages inside. If your area has a neighborhood group, share a photo and description of a thief rather than guesses about a person. Our guide on apartment and dorm security covers shared package rooms and building rules.

What to do if a package is stolen

1. Check first. Look around the property, ask neighbors and check the tracking, since a driver may have left it somewhere else.
2. Contact the seller and the carrier. Many retailers replace or refund a package that is lost or stolen, especially when you report it quickly. Ask what they need from you.
3. Save your video. Download the clip from your doorbell or camera before it expires.
4. Report it to the police, using the non-emergency line or an online report. A report number helps with claims, and it helps police see patterns.
5. Review what failed, and change the delivery method for next time.

What not to do

• Do not confront a thief. A package is not worth your safety. Call the police and let the footage do the work.
• Do not set a trap. Fake packages with glitter, strong smells or devices can cause harm and may create legal problems for you. Leave it to police.
• Do not post a person's face as a verdict. Share clips with police, and with neighbors only as a caution, without naming or accusing anyone.

A simple plan by budget

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving packages out all day. The longer it waits, the higher the risk.
• Leaving the box in plain view. Out of sight is a real defense.
• Putting up a camera without light or storage. A dark, empty recording helps no one.
• Not reporting the loss. Many retailers will replace the item if you tell them promptly.
• Showing off the box. A big box at the curb is an advertisement.
• Risking yourself. Never chase or confront.

Frequently asked questions