Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The statistics are staggering. According to the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves made off with $8.2 billion in online orders in 2025. All told, around 25% of Americans have had a package stolen at some point in their lives. 

Porch pirates are definitely still a problem, particularly during the holiday season, but you don't have to be a victim! See how a layered strategy and modern smart home technology can keep your deliveries protected in San Bernardino.

Layered security keeps San Bernardino porch pirates away

Holidays are stressful enough with travel nightmares, scheduling headaches, stretched-out budgets, and in-laws who overstay their welcome. The last thing you want is a stolen package to send you over the edge. So, how do you prevent it taking place? Ordering a video doorbell is a smart opening move, but there’s a lot more to preventing porch theft. 

A layered defense can include:

• Surveillance cameras along your home’s perimeter. Let prowlers know someone’s watching.
• Security signs. It’s simple but still a powerful deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lights. A burst of light is usually enough to scare criminals off. But keep in mind, porch theft commonly happens during daylight hours.
• Connecting with your neighbors. It’s not just about the security devices you have in place. Neighbors can watch out for each other and take note of suspicious behavior. 

Today’s technology boosts your protection

Home security keeps evolving. You can take advantage of these advancements to stop porch theft at your San Bernardino home. Here are a few worth considering:

• Doorbell cameras with two-way talk. Give delivery drivers instructions or determine why someone’s at your door.
• Smart door locks and custom automation. Today’s home security systems can be managed from a distance. Open your garage, tell the delivery driver put packages inside, and then lock or close the entrance once they’re done. 
• Video cameras with active deterrence. You can now find doorbell and outside cameras that activate warning lights or audible alerts if a lurker ventures too close. 

Make smart delivery choices

A layered approach and modern tech will help prevent package theft, but you can also help yourself by picking optional delivery services. For instance:

• Require a signature. This is a smart choice, especially for more expensive goods. Your packages will never be left sitting outside. 
• Provide instructions. Tell drivers where you would like parcels dropped off and keep them hidden from view.
• Redirect packages. Ship higher-dollar deliveries to an alternate location, like your workplace or a self-service storage locker. Providers like Amazon have secure lockers in San Bernardino where you can retrieve your packages.

Prevent package theft in San Bernardino with a Vivint smart home

Don’t let stolen packages ruin your holiday season. A modern Vivint smart home will give you peace of mind and keep your parcels in the right hands. You’ll enjoy remote access, smart home automation, and surveillance cameras that proactively deter crime. Speak with delivery drivers or even unlock your front door for package drop-offs, even when you’re not home. Call (909) 324-3685 today to find out more and arrange your home security installation in San Bernardino.