Online shopping can feel like a delightful surprise, much like the excitement of opening birthday gifts. However, this joy is often dampened by a growing issue—porch pirates.

As e-commerce expands, so do the risks associated with receiving packages. These thieves, known as porch pirates, scour neighborhoods looking for packages left on doorsteps, often striking when no one is home. Recent studies show that almost a quarter of adults have experienced package theft, and 64% now take extra security measures to protect their deliveries.

Without a secure method of receiving packages, your front porch becomes an easy target. This is especially true when you’re away, making it harder to safeguard your deliveries. Altering your delivery habits or using protective tools can significantly reduce these risks. For instance, license plate reader solutions can not only help identify potential thieves but also provide crucial evidence for authorities in the event of a theft.

Porch pirates often strike in areas with high package traffic, where the odds of being caught are slim. Unfortunately, many thefts go unreported, and stolen goods are rarely recovered. If you find yourself a victim, it’s essential to take action—contact the seller, file a police report, and improve your security to deter future incidents.

As online shopping grows, so do the opportunities for theft. To learn how to prevent package theft, refer to the accompanying infographic.