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 delivery orders in 2025. All told, around 25% of Americans have been a victim of package theft at some point in their lives. 

Porch pirates are obviously still an issue, especially during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you have to be targeted. Discover how a layered strategy and current smart home security can keep your parcels protected in Bloomington.

A layered defense keeps Bloomington porch pirates away

Holidays are already a challenge with in-laws who test your nerves, stretched-out budgets, scheduling headaches, and travel chaos. The last thing you want is a missing delivery to send you over the edge. So, how can you stop it from happening? Ordering a doorbell camera is a smart opening move, but there’s more to the puzzle of stopping package theft. 

A layered approach can include:

• Security cameras covering your home’s perimeter. Let prowlers know someone’s watching.
• Security signs. It’s low-tech but still a powerful deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lighting. A sudden burst of light is typically enough to send criminals away. But keep in mind, porch theft commonly happens in broad daylight.
• Connecting with your neighbors. It’s not only about the security devices you have in place. Neighbors can keep an eye out for each other and take note of suspicious behavior. 

Modern tech boosts your defense

Home security is always evolving. You can leverage these advancements to help prevent porch theft at your Bloomington home. Here are a few worth considering:

• Video doorbells with two-way talk. Give instructions to delivery drivers or determine why someone’s on your porch.
• Smart locks and custom automation. Today’s home security can be operated remotely. Unlock your front door, have a delivery driver put packages inside, and then close or lock the entrance when they leave. 
• Video cameras with active deterrence. There are exterior and doorbell cameras that turn on warning lights or audible alerts if a prowler gets too close. 

Make good delivery choices

A layered strategy and modern tech will help prevent package theft, but you can also help yourself by making smarter delivery choices. For instance:

• Request a signature. This is a great choice, specifically for more expensive goods. Your packages will never be left out in the open. 
• Provide instructions. Let drivers know where you want boxes left and keep them out of sight.
• Reroute packages. Send more expensive deliveries to an alternate location, like your workplace or a secure pickup locker. Carriers like Amazon offer secure lockers in Bloomington where you can grab deliveries.

Prevent package theft in Bloomington with a Vivint smart home

Don’t let stolen packages ruin your holiday season. A modern Vivint smart home will put your mind at ease and keep your parcels protected. You’ll appreciate having remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance devices that help stop crime before it happens. Speak with delivery drivers or even unlock your door for delivery drop-offs, even when you’re away. Call (812) 579-4884 today to find out more and arrange your home security installation in Bloomington.