The holiday shopping season is one of the busiest times of the year for online purchases and home deliveries. As more gifts, electronics, clothing, and household items arrive on doorsteps, so does the risk of package theft.
For homeowners and families in Arizona, Washington, and Oregon, November is the perfect time to review home security measures, understand potential insurance considerations, and take steps to help protect holiday purchases.
A little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring gifts make it safely from the delivery truck into your home.
Why Package Theft Increases During the Holidays
The weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the December holidays often result in:
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Increased online shopping
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More home deliveries
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Larger package volumes
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Frequent doorstep drop-offs
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Higher visibility of delivered merchandise
Unfortunately, these factors can create opportunities for theft.
Package theft remains a concern for both homeowners and renters during the holiday season.
What Is Porch Piracy?
“Porch piracy” is a term used to describe the theft of packages that have been delivered and left unattended.
Common targets include:
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Electronics
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Clothing
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Toys
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Gift cards
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Seasonal gifts
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Household goods
Many package thefts occur within hours, or even minutes, of delivery.
Track Deliveries Closely
One of the easiest ways to reduce theft risk is to monitor delivery schedules.
Consider:
✅ Using shipment tracking tools
✅ Signing up for delivery notifications
✅ Monitoring delivery status updates
✅ Arranging delivery times when someone is home
Knowing when packages are expected can reduce the amount of time items remain unattended.
Use Secure Delivery Locations
Where available, consider alternatives to front-door delivery.
Options may include:
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Package lockers
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Secure pickup locations
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Workplace deliveries
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Trusted family members
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Trusted neighbors
Reducing package visibility often reduces theft opportunities.
Install Video Doorbells or Security Cameras
Many homeowners use security devices to monitor deliveries.
Benefits may include:
✅ Package arrival notifications
✅ Video documentation
✅ Remote monitoring
✅ Activity alerts
Visible security equipment may also discourage theft in some situations.
Improve Exterior Lighting
Well-lit entryways can help improve visibility around delivery areas.
Consider reviewing:
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Porch lights
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Driveway lighting
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Motion-sensor lighting
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Walkway lighting
Good visibility can support both security and safety.
Consider Signature Requirements
For high-value purchases, retailers may offer delivery options requiring a signature.
This approach may provide added protection for:
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Electronics
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Jewelry
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Luxury goods
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Large purchases
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High-value gifts
Review available delivery options before completing online purchases.
Don’t Advertise Deliveries
Social media can unintentionally broadcast purchasing activity.
Consider avoiding:
❌ Posting delivery schedules
❌ Sharing vacation plans
❌ Publicly displaying recent purchases
❌ Posting photos of high-value gifts before they arrive
Limiting public information can help reduce unnecessary exposure.
Understand Personal Property Protection
Holiday shopping often leads to an increase in household personal property.
Examples include:
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Electronics
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Jewelry
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Sporting goods
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Collectibles
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Home furnishings
As expensive purchases accumulate, some homeowners may choose to review whether coverage remains appropriate for their needs.
Review Coverage for High-Value Items
Certain categories of property may warrant additional review.
Examples may include:
✅ Jewelry
✅ Watches
✅ Fine art
✅ Collectibles
✅ Valuable electronics
✅ Specialty equipment
Before making significant holiday purchases, it may be worthwhile to discuss coverage options and documentation requirements.
Keep Purchase Records
Documentation can be valuable for many reasons.
Maintain:
✅ Receipts
✅ Order confirmations
✅ Photographs
✅ Serial numbers
✅ Warranty information
Good records help organize household inventories and document recent purchases.
Traveling During the Holidays?
Traveling can increase package theft exposure.
Before leaving town:
✅ Pause deliveries
✅ Arrange package pickup
✅ Ask a trusted neighbor for assistance
✅ Use smart security devices
✅ Schedule deliveries after returning home
An empty home and visible packages may create unnecessary risks.
Protect Gift Deliveries
Many gifts arrive directly from online retailers.
Practical tips include:
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Shipping to alternate locations
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Choosing expedited delivery windows
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Monitoring tracking information
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Retrieving packages promptly
Early planning can help reduce holiday stress.
Questions Homeowners Should Ask
As holiday shopping begins, consider asking:
✅ Are package deliveries secure?
✅ Is exterior lighting adequate?
✅ Do I use delivery notifications?
✅ Have valuable purchases been documented?
✅ Should high-value items be reviewed?
✅ Are holiday gifts stored securely?
✅ Have home security measures been checked?
Answering these questions can help reduce exposure during the busy shopping season.
Common Holiday Delivery Mistakes
Avoid these common oversights:
❌ Leaving packages unattended for extended periods
❌ Ignoring delivery notifications
❌ Posting travel plans online
❌ Failing to document valuable purchases
❌ Delaying package retrieval
❌ Overlooking home security measures
Simple precautions can help reduce holiday headaches.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season should be focused on celebrating with family and friends, not dealing with stolen packages or missing gifts. By planning deliveries carefully, improving home security, documenting purchases, and reviewing valuable property, homeowners can better protect holiday purchases throughout the season.
For families in Arizona, Washington, and Oregon, November is the perfect time to put a delivery protection plan in place before holiday shopping reaches its peak.
The best gift this season may be the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.
