Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The data is staggering. Per the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves made off with $8.2 billion in online orders in 2025. In all, one in four Americans has had a package stolen at some time in their lives. 

Porch pirates are clearly still a threat, most of all during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you have to be victimized. Discover how a layered approach and modern smart home tech can keep your parcels secure in St. Petersburg.

A layered defense keeps St. Petersburg porch pirates away

Holidays are stressful enough with scheduling conflicts, travel nightmares, budgets stretched to the limit, and inlaws who test your nerves. The last thing you want is a missing delivery to send you over the edge. So, what can you do to stop it taking place? Adding a video doorbell is a smart first step, but there’s more to preventing package theft. 

A layered defense can include:

• Video cameras around your home’s border. Let trespassers know they’re being watched.
• Home security signs and decals. It’s simple but still a powerful deterrent. 
• Motion-sensing lights. A burst of light is usually enough to send thieves running. But don’t forget, porch theft occurs at all times of day.
• Getting to know your neighbors. It’s not merely about the security devices you own. Neighbors can look out for one another and flag suspicious behavior. 

Current tech strengthens your defense

Home security continues to evolve. You can leverage these advancements to stop porch theft at your St. Petersburg property. Here are several to consider:

• Video doorbells with two-way audio. Tell delivery people where to leave packages or find out why someone’s on your porch.
• Smart door locks and automation. Modern home security can be controlled from wherever you are. Open your garage, let the courier put parcels inside, and then lock or close the entrance when they’re done. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across outdoor and doorbell cameras that activate a light display or sounds if a prowler gets too close. 

Make smart delivery choices

A layered strategy and modern devices will help curtail package theft, but you can also be proactive and make smarter delivery choices. For example:

• Require a signature. This is a wise choice, especially for high-value items. Deliveries will never be left out in the open. 
• Provide instructions. Tell drivers where you want boxes dropped off and keep them hidden from view.
• Change the delivery address. Send higher-dollar deliveries to somewhere else, like your workplace or a self-service locker. Providers like Amazon have secure lockers in St. Petersburg where you can grab deliveries.

Stop package theft in St. Petersburg with a Vivint smart home

Don’t let stolen packages dampen your holiday cheer. A modern Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your packages in the right hands. You’ll appreciate having remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance devices that help stop crime before it happens. Talk to delivery drivers or even open your garage for package drop-offs, even when you’re not home. Call (727) 353-8318 today to learn more and schedule your smart home installation in St. Petersburg.