Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The figures are staggering. Per the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves stole $8.2 billion in online orders in 2025. Overall, one in four Americans has been a victim of this crime at some point in their lives. 

Porch pirates are clearly still a problem, especially during the holidays, but there’s no reason you need to be a victim. Explore how a layered approach and current smart home tech can keep your parcels protected in Bloomington.

Layered protection keeps Bloomington porch pirates away

Holidays are stressful enough with travel chaos, scheduling headaches, overextended budgets, and in-laws who overstay their welcome. The last thing you want is a missing delivery to push you over the edge. So, how can you stop it taking place? Adding a doorbell camera is a solid first step, but there’s more to the puzzle of deterring package theft. 

A layered defense can include:

• Video cameras along your home’s border. Let trespassers know someone’s watching.
• Home security signs. It’s old-school but still a powerful deterrent. 
• Motion-sensing lights. A burst of light is often enough to send prowlers running. Just remember, porch theft commonly takes place in broad daylight.
• Knowing your neighbors. It’s not just about the security devices you have in place. Neighbors can watch out for one another and flag questionable behavior. 

Modern technology improves your protection

Home security keeps evolving. You can take advantage of these advancements to help prevent porch theft at your Bloomington property. Consider the following options:

• Doorbell cameras with two-way audio. Tell delivery people where to leave packages or determine why someone’s on your porch.
• Smart door locks and automation. Today’s home security can be controlled from a distance. Unlock your front door or open your garage, let the delivery driver put parcels inside, and then close or lock the entrance once they’re done. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. You can now find outside and doorbell cameras that trigger a bright light or sounds if a lurker gets too close. 

Make smart delivery decisions

A layered defense and modern devices will help curtail package theft, but you can also help yourself by making smarter delivery decisions. For example:

• Require a signature. This is a wise choice, specifically for more expensive items. Your packages will never be left out in the open. 
• Provide instructions. Let drivers know where you want boxes placed and keep them hidden from view.
• Change the delivery address. Ship higher-value deliveries to another location, like your place of work or a self-service storage locker. Providers like Amazon provide secure lockers in Bloomington where you can pick up your orders.

Halt package theft in Bloomington with a Vivint smart home

Don’t let missing packages dampen your holiday cheer. A modern Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your parcels in the right hands. You’ll appreciate having remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance devices that actively deter crime. Communicate with couriers or even open your garage for deliveries, even when you’re not home. Place a call to (309) 332-1140 today to find out more and schedule your smart home installation in Bloomington.