Porch pirates target holiday deliveries as online shopping surges

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Porch pirates are targeting holiday deliveries at higher rates this year as online shopping continues to surge across the country.

Nearly 70% of holiday shopping in 2025 is expected to take place online, according to industry estimates. That increase in deliveries has led to a sharp rise in package theft nationwide. About 15% of Americans report having a package stolen in the past year, with losses totaling more than 8.2 billion dollars across the United States.

Security experts say most package thefts are crimes of opportunity that happen quickly when deliveries are left unattended.

Gene Petrino, lead security advisor for Security.org, says it only takes a few seconds for someone to walk up, grab a package, and disappear. Petrino adds that the risk increases during the holidays when delivery volumes are at their highest.

In the Coachella Valley, residents say the rise in online shopping has changed how they handle deliveries during the holiday season.

Palm Springs resident Niki Plaid says neighbors in her community regularly watch out for one another by collecting packages if someone is not home.

Experts recommend several ways to reduce the risk of package theft. Those include shipping packages to a workplace, using secure lockers such as Amazon Hub locations, or sending deliveries to a P.O. Box. Asking a trusted neighbor to collect packages, requiring a signature upon delivery, and enabling real-time delivery alerts are also effective options.

Security technology is another tool shoppers are using. Video doorbells and security cameras may not prevent every theft, but experts say they can discourage criminals and help identify suspects if a package is stolen.

San Diego resident Kate Fogerty says communication at home helps prevent deliveries from being left outside for too long. She says she texts her roommates when a package is expected so someone can grab it right away.

If a package does go missing, experts advise shoppers to verify delivery details with the carrier first, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Contacting the seller is the next step, as many retailers offer replacements or refunds. Filing a police report may also be required for insurance purposes or official records.

With holiday deliveries expected to peak in the coming weeks, experts say taking simple precautions now can help prevent theft and keep the holiday season on track.