Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The figures are eye-opening. According to the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves stole $8.2 billion worth of online orders in 2025. In all, around 25% of Americans have had a package taken at some point in their lives. 

Porch pirates are definitely still a problem, particularly during the holiday season, but there’s no reason you need to be a victim. Explore how a layered approach and the latest smart home tech can keep your packages protected in Davenport.

Layered security keeps Davenport package bandits away

Holidays are already stressful enough with scheduling conflicts, travel chaos, budgets stretched to the limit, and inlaws who stay too long. The last thing you need is a pilfered package to send you over the edge. So, what can you do to stop it? Ordering a doorbell camera is a good idea, but there’s more to deterring porch pirates. 

A layered defense can include:

• Video cameras covering your home’s perimeter. Let trespassers know they’re being recorded.
• Security signs. It’s old-school but still a powerful deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lights. A flash of light is often enough to frighten thieves off. Just remember, porch theft occurs at all hours.
• Connecting with your neighbors. It’s not just about the security tech you have. Neighbors should look out for one another and flag unusual behavior. 

Today’s technology improves your defense

Home security keeps evolving. You can take advantage of these advancements to help prevent porch theft at your Davenport property. Here are a few to consider:

• Video doorbells with two-way communication. Give delivery drivers instructions or determine why someone’s on your porch.
• Smart door locks and home automation. Today’s home security can be managed from wherever you are. Open your garage, have a courier put packages inside, and then close or lock the entrance once they’re done. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. There are outdoor and doorbell cameras that activate a bright light or sounds if a lurker gets too close. 

Make good delivery choices

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

• Require a signature. This is a wise choice, especially for high-value items. Your packages will never be left sitting outside. 
• Provide instructions. Let drivers know where you want parcels dropped off and keep them hidden from view.
• Reroute packages. Ship higher-dollar deliveries to an alternate location, like your office or a secure pickup locker. Carriers like Amazon offer secure lockers in Davenport where you can grab your orders.

Prevent package theft in Davenport with a Vivint smart home

Don’t allow pilfered packages to dampen your holiday cheer. A modern Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your packages in the right hands. You’ll enjoy remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance devices that help stop crime before it happens. Communicate with delivery drivers or even unlock your front door for delivery drop-offs, regardless of your location. Contact (563) 674-6116 today to learn more and schedule your home security installation in Davenport.