Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The figures are eye-opening. As noted in the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves made off with $8.2 billion in online purchases in 2025. All told, one in four Americans has been a victim of this crime at some time in their lives. 

Porch pirates are obviously still a problem, particularly during the busy holiday season, but you don't have to be a victim! See how a layered approach and modern smart home tech can keep your parcels safe in Raleigh.

Layered security keeps Raleigh package bandits away

Holidays are already a challenge with travel nightmares, scheduling headaches, stretched-out budgets, and in-laws who stay too long. The last thing you want is a missing delivery to send you over the edge. So, what can you do to stop it taking place? Installing a video doorbell is a smart opening move, but there’s more to the puzzle of deterring porch theft. 

A layered defense can include:

• Video cameras around your home’s border. Let trespassers know someone’s watching.
• Home security signs and decals. It’s old-school but still a proven deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lighting. A burst of light is often enough to send criminals running. But keep in mind, porch theft occurs at all hours.
• Knowing your neighbors. It’s not just about what devices you have. Neighbors can keep an eye out for one another and flag suspicious behavior. 

Current tech improves your protection

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

• Video doorbells with two-way audio. Give instructions to delivery drivers or find out why someone’s at your door.
• Smart locks and custom automation. Today’s home security can be controlled from wherever you are. Unlock your front door, tell the courier put deliveries inside, and then close or lock the entrance when they’re done. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across outdoor and doorbell cameras that turn on warning lights or sounds if someone ventures too close. 

Make smart delivery decisions

A layered strategy and modern technology will help stop package theft, but you can also help yourself by making smarter delivery decisions. For instance:

• Demand a signature. This is a wise choice, specifically for high-value goods. Deliveries will never be left sitting outside. 
• Leave delivery instructions. Tell couriers where you want parcels dropped off and keep them out of view.
• Redirect packages. Ship higher-dollar deliveries to somewhere else, like your workplace or a self-service locker. Providers like Amazon have secure lockers in Raleigh where you can pick up your packages.

Stop package theft in Raleigh with a Vivint smart home

Don’t let pilfered packages spoil your holiday season. A cutting-edge Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your parcels in the right hands. You’ll enjoy remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance cameras that proactively deter crime. Communicate with delivery drivers or even open your garage for package drop-offs, even when you’re not home. Contact (919) 899-2155 today to find out more and book your home security installation in Raleigh.