How to Stop Porch Pirates in 8 Simple Steps
Protect your deliveries with smarter package habits, safer delivery options, and Arlo home security essentials.
Protect your deliveries with smarter package habits, safer delivery options, and Arlo home security essentials.
Imagine you get a delivery notification. Your package has arrived, but when you check the front door, it is gone. That is the classic porch pirate problem.
A porch pirate is someone who steals packages from another person’s porch, doorstep, lobby, or home entry area. Package theft can happen in a few seconds, especially when deliveries are left in plain view. According to the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, at least 58 million packages were stolen in the United States in 2024.
The good news: a few smart habits and the right home security tools can help you protect packages from porch pirates. Here are eight simple ways to reduce package theft with Arlo.
Packages are often left at the front door, which makes a video doorbell one of the most useful tools for package theft prevention. A reliable doorbell camera lets you see who approaches, check for deliveries, and respond quickly if something looks off.
The Arlo Video Doorbell gives you a wide view of the front entry, motion alerts, Night Vision, and 2-Way Audio. You can speak to delivery drivers, greet guests, or let an unwanted visitor know they are on camera. With package and person detection available through Arlo Secure, you can get smarter alerts about what is happening at your door.
A video doorbell is great for the front door, but some porch pirates approach from the sidewalk, driveway, alley, or side yard. Outdoor security cameras help you cover more of the property and see where someone came from or where they went.
Arlo outdoor cameras offer clear video, wide viewing angles, and flexible placement around your home. Use them near driveways, gates, side entrances, or package drop-off areas for a broader view of activity around your property.
Good lighting can make a home less inviting to package thieves. A floodlight camera helps illuminate dark areas while capturing video when motion is detected.
An Arlo Floodlight Camera combines bright lighting with security camera coverage, making it a strong option for porches, alleyways, driveways, and side yards. It is especially useful during shorter winter days or evening deliveries.
You can reduce risk by taking more control over delivery timing. When possible, schedule deliveries for times when someone is home. For high-value packages, require a signature so the item is not left unattended.
You can also use carrier tracking tools to monitor delivery windows and bring packages inside quickly after they arrive.
A package lockbox gives delivery drivers a secure place to leave items instead of placing them in plain sight. This can be especially helpful for frequent deliveries, apartment buildings, or homes where packages sit outside for hours.
Look for a lockbox that is weather-resistant, easy for drivers to use, and difficult to move or open without permission.
Delivery instructions can make a difference. Ask drivers to place packages behind a column, inside a side gate, behind outdoor furniture, or in another safe spot that is not visible from the street.
The best hiding place is one that is easy for the driver to access and hard for passersby to notice. Keep instructions short and specific so they are easy to follow.
If package theft is common in your area, consider routing important deliveries somewhere safer. Depending on the carrier and retailer, you may be able to send packages to a secure locker, pickup counter, post office, workplace, or trusted neighbor.
For expensive or time-sensitive items, secure pickup can be worth the extra step.
Neighbors can help prevent package theft by watching out for each other, collecting deliveries, and sharing useful information. If you are away, a trusted neighbor may be able to bring a package inside until you return.
Arlo Secure can also help you stay more aware of what is happening around your home with smarter alerts and video history. The more visibility you have, the easier it is to act quickly and document what happened.
If a package is stolen, start with the retailer or marketplace where you placed the order. They may offer a replacement or refund depending on the situation. You can also contact the carrier, save any video footage, and file a police report for high-value items or repeat theft.
Avoid unsafe porch pirate traps, prank packages, or revenge tactics. Focus on prevention, documentation, and safe reporting.
Porch pirates rely on quick, low-visibility opportunities. Arlo video doorbells, outdoor cameras, floodlight cameras, and Arlo Secure features can help you see more, respond faster, and protect the deliveries that matter. With the right setup, your front door can be ready before the next package arrives.
