Porch pirates are now stealing a staggering 250,000 packages daily across America.
Story Snapshot
- SafeWise reports over 104 million packages stolen nationwide in 2025, averaging 250,000 thefts per day
- Package theft costs consumers $15 billion and retailers $22 billion annually despite slight decline in incidents
- Average stolen package value jumped 8% to $150 each, with holiday packages worth even more to thieves
- Less than 25% of thefts get reported to police, creating minimal accountability for criminals
Holiday Season Fuels Package Theft Epidemic
SafeWise’s 8th annual Package Theft Report reveals that porch pirates stole over 104 million packages in 2025, translating to approximately 250,000 thefts daily. This alarming statistic comes as 95% of holiday shopping moves online, creating unprecedented opportunities for criminals. The holiday season particularly attracts thieves, with 49% of Cyber Monday shoppers becoming victims and stolen gifts affecting 31 million Americans.
Theft Values Surge Despite Fewer Incidents
While 2025 marked the first recorded decline in package theft incidents, criminals are targeting more valuable items. The average stolen package now costs $150, representing an 8% increase from previous years. Security.org estimates the theft rate at roughly 1%, but with higher-value electronics and luxury goods being shipped during peak seasons, thieves maximize profits from each crime.
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Apartment Dwellers Face Triple the Risk
Research shows apartment residents face three times higher theft risk compared to single-family homeowners. Urban areas and states like Kentucky and North Dakota report the highest theft rates. Sacramento alone suffered $50 million in package theft losses, ranking as the 25th worst city nationally. The concentration of multiple delivery points in apartment complexes creates target-rich environments for organized theft operations.
Weak Law Enforcement Response Emboldens Criminals
Package theft remains largely unpunished, with less than 25% of incidents reported to authorities. Most jurisdictions treat package theft as minor misdemeanors, creating minimal deterrent effect. Jackson County recently filed charges in a months-long investigation, but such prosecutions remain rare. The low-risk, high-reward nature of package theft continues attracting opportunistic criminals who face little accountability for their actions.
Consumers increasingly rely on tracking systems, security cameras, and signature requirements for protection, spending an average of $143 on security systems. However, 38% remain skeptical about camera effectiveness as a deterrent. This crime wave represents a direct assault on Americans’ property rights and economic security, demanding stronger legal consequences and innovative delivery solutions.
Sources:
Porch Pirates 2025: Package Theft Statistics
Porch pirates cost consumers $15 billion in the last 12 months, SafeWise reports
Package Theft Annual Report
46% of Americans have been porch pirate victims
Package Theft Statistics
Metro Areas Porch Theft
Package Theft in the United States
