Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The statistics are eye-opening. According to the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves stole $8.2 billion worth of online delivery orders in 2025. All told, around 25% of Americans have been a victim of this crime at least once in their lives. 

Porch pirates are obviously still an issue, particularly during the holiday season, but you don't need to be a victim! Explore how a layered strategy and the latest smart home security can keep your deliveries safe in St. George.

A layered defense keeps St. George porch pirates away

Holidays are already stressful enough with packed calendars, travel chaos, overextended budgets, and inlaws who stay too long. The last thing you want is a missing delivery to send you over the edge. So, how do you prevent it taking place? Adding a doorbell camera is a good opening move, but there’s more to deterring package theft. 

A layered strategy can include:

• Security cameras along your home’s perimeter. Let trespassers know they’re being recorded.
• Home security signs and decals. It’s low-tech but still an effective deterrent. 
• Motion-sensing lights. A sudden burst of light is usually enough to send thieves away. But keep in mind, porch theft occurs at all times of day.
• Knowing your neighbors. It’s not merely about the security devices you own. Neighbors can watch out for each other and flag unusual behavior. 

Modern tech boosts your defense

Home security continues to evolve. You can leverage these advancements to help prevent porch theft at your St. George home. Here are a few worth considering:

• Video doorbells with two-way audio. Tell delivery people where to leave packages or determine why someone’s at your door.
• Smart locks and home automation. Modern home security can be controlled from a distance. Unlock your front door, have a courier put packages inside, and then lock or close the entrance when they leave. 
• Video cameras with active deterrence. You can now find exterior and doorbell cameras that turn on warning lights or sounds if someone comes too close. 

Make smarter delivery decisions

A layered strategy and modern devices will help stop package theft, but you can also help yourself by picking optional delivery services. For instance:

• Demand a signature. This is a smart choice, especially for higher value goods. Your packages will never be left out in the open. 
• Provide instructions. Let drivers know where you would like boxes left and keep them out of view.
• Reroute packages. Deliver higher-value deliveries to an alternate location, like your place of work or a secure pickup locker. Providers like Amazon offer secure lockers in St. George where you can retrieve your packages.

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

Don’t allow pilfered packages to spoil your holiday season. A modern Vivint smart home will put your mind at ease and keep your parcels safe. You’ll benefit from remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance cameras that actively deter crime. Speak with delivery drivers or even unlock your front door for package drop-offs, no matter where you are. Call (435) 375-3735 today to find out more and arrange your home security installation in St. George.