Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays
The figures are staggering. According to the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, thieves stole $8.2 billion in online delivery orders in 2025. In all, one in four Americans has had a package pilfered at least once in their lives.
Porch pirates are clearly still a threat, particularly during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you have to be targeted. Discover how a layered approach and the latest smart home tech can keep your parcels safe in Kansas City.
A layered defense keeps Kansas City package thieves away
Holidays are stressful enough with scheduling conflicts, travel chaos, overextended budgets, and inlaws who stay too long. The last thing you need is a missing delivery to push you over the edge. So, how do you prevent it taking place? Adding a doorbell camera is a good opening move, but there’s more to the puzzle of preventing package theft.
A layered strategy can include:
- Security cameras covering your home’s border. Let prowlers know they’re being watched.
- Security signage. It’s low-tech but still an effective deterrent.
- Motion-activated lights. A burst of light is often enough to send criminals running. Just remember, porch theft happens at all hours.
- Knowing your neighbors. It’s not just about the security tech you have in place. Neighbors can keep an eye out for each other and take note of unusual behavior.
Modern technology boosts your security
Home security continues to evolve. You can leverage these advancements to stop porch theft at your Kansas City home. Consider the following options:
- Video doorbells with two-way audio. Give instructions to delivery drivers or determine why someone’s on your doorstep.
- Smart door locks and home automation. Modern home security can be managed from wherever you are. Unlock your front door, tell the delivery person put parcels inside, and then lock or close the entrance when they leave.
- Video cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across outside and doorbell cameras that activate a bright light or audible alerts if a prowler gets too close.
Make smart delivery decisions
A layered defense and modern devices will help prevent package theft, but you can also be proactive and make smarter delivery choices. For example:
- Request a signature. This is a smart choice, especially for higher value goods. Your orders will never be left out in the open.
- Leave delivery instructions. Tell drivers where you would like packages left and keep them out of sight.
- Reroute packages. Send higher-value deliveries to an alternate location, like your workplace or a self-service locker. Companies like Amazon have secure lockers in Kansas City where you can retrieve your packages.
Halt package theft in Kansas City with a Vivint smart home
Don’t let stolen packages ruin your holiday season. A cutting-edge Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your packages in the right hands. You’ll benefit from remote access, smart home automation, and video cameras that proactively deter crime. Communicate with couriers or even unlock your door for delivery drop-offs, even when you’re not home. Call (816) 357-9576 today to find out more and arrange your smart home installation in Kansas City.