The holidays are here, and with them comes the annual surge in online shopping — and, unfortunately, a spike in package theft. Porch piracy, the act of stealing packages left by delivery services on doorsteps, has become a nationwide headache, especially during the festive season when gift deliveries reach their peak. According to SafeWise.com, a staggering 104 million packages were stolen from porches across the United States in 2025 alone. That’s not a small number — it’s a wake-up call for shoppers and authorities alike.
New York City, often a trendsetter for both the good and the bad, finds itself among the worst-hit cities for this crime, with a reported total value loss of $248,221,997 in 2025. Local authorities, especially in places like the Hudson Valley, are stepping up their efforts to keep residents’ holiday spirits from being dampened by package theft. The East Fishkill Police Department, for instance, released a statement on December 4, 2025, cautioning, “As the holiday shopping season has officially begun, we typically see an increase in package deliveries — and unfortunately, the potential increase in package thefts.” They added, “A few precautions can make a big difference. Community awareness is one of the strongest tools we have. As always if you see something suspicious, call your local authorities.”
But what exactly can you do to protect your precious deliveries? Authorities and experts have a host of suggestions, ranging from the simple to the high-tech. First, closely monitor delivery tracking and, if possible, provide instructions for parcels to be dropped off in a concealed location. If you’re not home, arrange for a trusted neighbor to accept your package. Consider investing in security devices like Ring doorbells or other home surveillance systems — these not only deter would-be thieves but can also provide valuable evidence if a theft does occur.
Police in Eastleigh, England, echoed similar concerns and advice. As reported on December 5, 2025, they warned residents about the rising incidents of parcel thefts ahead of Christmas, urging increased vigilance. Their recommendations included tracking deliveries, providing concealed drop-off instructions, and alerting both delivery companies and the police immediately if a parcel goes missing. These warnings are part of a broader push to address theft and burglary offenses, which tend to rise in the lead-up to the holidays.
Beyond the threat of porch pirates, shoppers are also being warned about a different kind of holiday Grinch: online scams. The New York State Sheriff’s Association has cautioned consumers to be on the lookout for fake deal websites, suspicious social media ads, and other manipulative online tactics. They highlighted red flags such as huge discounts on hot items from unfamiliar sites, web addresses that mimic real brands, and the absence of reviews or clear return policies. Their advice is blunt and to the point: “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
Even with the best precautions, sometimes packages still go missing. So what happens then? For many, the first line of defense is renters insurance. According to Geico, only about 20 percent of renters have this coverage, even though most policies offer protection for stolen packages. But there are some important caveats to keep in mind. As Progressive notes, renters insurance deductibles can range from $250 to over $2,000. That means if your stolen package is worth less than your deductible, it’s probably not worth filing a claim. For example, if a $350 vacuum cleaner is snatched from your stoop and your deductible is $500, you’d end up paying more out of pocket than the item’s value — not exactly a win.
Coverage limits and restrictions also vary by policy. Most renters insurance policies include personal property coverage, which might have a limit of $50,000 but can often be adjusted up to $100,000 during the application process. However, processing a claim can take a while — sometimes a month or longer, according to insurance marketplace Goodcover. That’s a long wait if you’re counting on a quick reimbursement during the holiday crunch.
Recognizing the growing problem, lawmakers are beginning to take action. New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer recently proposed the Porch Pirates Act in early December 2025. In a statement, Gottheimer captured the frustration of many Americans: “There’s a literal Grinch that tears through neighborhoods, stealing away Christmas presents and essentials from grandparents and children alike — right off their own front porch when a package arrives. We can’t let the holidays be snatched away from us in broad daylight by a bunch of porch pirates.” The proposed legislation aims to crack down on package theft and increase penalties for offenders, though the specifics are still being debated.
But what if you don’t have renters insurance, or your policy doesn’t make sense for the value of your stolen item? There are alternatives. Some retailers, like Amazon, offer refunds for packages reported as stolen. Third-party services such as PorchPals have popped up, offering porch piracy insurance for about $10 a month, covering up to three claims per year with a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per package. Credit card purchase protection is another avenue — certain cards will reimburse you for stolen items, though coverage varies and typically excludes things like antiques, collectibles, and motorized vehicles. Finally, shipping companies like FedEx have their own claim processes for lost or stolen packages, and it’s worth checking if additional insurance is available when you ship or receive valuable items.
In the Hudson Valley and beyond, law enforcement and consumer advocates are emphasizing that a little vigilance can go a long way. Simple steps — like staying alert to suspicious activity, using secure delivery options, and keeping an eye out for online scams — can help keep your holidays joyful instead of stressful. And if the worst does happen, knowing your options for recourse can soften the blow.
As package theft and scams continue to evolve, so too do the ways we protect ourselves. Whether it’s through insurance, technology, or good old-fashioned neighborly cooperation, Americans are finding new ways to outsmart the Grinches lurking on their doorsteps this holiday season.
