Security footage of a daytime porch theft in Atlanta highlights a national trend: SafeWise estimates about 250,000 packages are stolen daily, costing nearly $15 billion over the past year. Rep. Josh Gottheimer's proposed Porch Pirates Act would make all package theft a federal crime with penalties up to $250,000 and 10 years in prison. Experts advise the "three Ds" — deter, detect and deny — and recommend lights, cameras, timed deliveries, secure pickup options and reporting thefts to carriers and police.
Study: About 250,000 Packages Stolen Daily as Lawmakers Push Tougher Penalties
An Atlanta resident, Tonya Sheppard, says a thief grabbed packages from her porch in broad daylight last month. Security footage shows the so-called "porch pirate" casually wave to the camera, check the area and walk off with her deliveries.
"I think you have to order online in this day and time, but I do try to be more mindful about when things are coming," Sheppard told CBS News.
Widespread Problem and Economic Toll
Safety research firm SafeWise estimates that roughly 250,000 packages are stolen nationwide every day. The company's study places the total value of items lost over the past year at nearly $15 billion, a number that rises as online shopping peaks around the holidays.
Legislative Response: The Porch Pirates Act
In response to the surge in thefts, New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduced the Porch Pirates Act, which would make stealing any delivered package a federal crime. The bill proposes penalties including fines of up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
"Right now, only the U.S. Mail, mail handled by the USPS, is federally protected," Gottheimer said. "So stealing a USPS package has particularly harsh penalties, penalties that packages delivered by UPS, Amazon, FedEx or DHL don't have."
How Residents Can Protect Deliveries
Security experts recommend practical steps homeowners can take to reduce risk. Nick B. Thomas, chief marketing officer of Ackerman Security Systems, summarizes a straightforward approach: the "three Ds" — deter, detect and deny.
- Deter: Use visible cameras, porch lights and signage to discourage thieves.
- Detect: Install motion-activated cameras or doorbell cameras that send alerts to your phone.
- Deny: Choose delivery options that require a signature, use secure parcel lockers, schedule timed delivery windows or request delivery to your workplace or a nearby pickup location.
Additional practical tips include asking a neighbor to collect packages, tracking deliveries closely, using carrier delivery instructions (leave at back door, hide behind planter, etc.) and promptly reporting thefts to the carrier and local police.
Voices and Concerns
Sheppard said what she lost can be replaced, but the incident has made her more cautious about when and how she orders deliveries. "I think of people who couldn't afford to re-buy packages," she said, worrying especially about families who might lose a single, important gift for a child.
As online shopping continues to grow, theft prevention, reporting and possible federal penalties are likely to remain part of the conversation among consumers, carriers and lawmakers.
