Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The figures are eye-opening. Per the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves made off with $8.2 billion worth of online orders in 2025. Overall, approximately 25% of Americans have been a victim of package theft at some time in their lives. 

Porch pirates are clearly still a threat, particularly during the busy holiday season, but there’s no reason you have to be victimized. Discover how a layered strategy and modern smart home technology can keep your packages secure in Reno.

A layered defense keeps Reno porch pirates away

Holidays are stressful enough with scheduling conflicts, travel chaos, budgets stretched to the limit, and inlaws who stay too long. The last thing you want is a stolen package to send you over the edge. So, how can you stop it from happening? Ordering a doorbell camera is a solid opening move, but there’s more to preventing porch theft. 

A layered approach can include:

• Surveillance cameras along your home’s perimeter. Let thieves know they’re being watched.
• Security signs. It’s old-school but still a proven deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lights. A sudden burst of light is typically enough to send thieves away. Just remember, porch theft occurs at all hours.
• Getting to know your neighbors. It’s not merely about what devices you have. Neighbors should watch out for one another and report questionable behavior. 

Today’s tech strengthens your defense

Home security is always evolving. You can leverage these advancements to prevent porch theft at your Reno property. Here are several worth installing:

• Doorbell cameras with two-way talk. Give instructions to delivery drivers or determine why someone’s on your doorstep.
• Smart locks and home automation. Today’s home security can be managed from a distance. Open your garage, tell the courier put packages inside, and then close or lock the entrance once they’re done. 
• Video cameras with active deterrence. There are doorbell and outdoor cameras that activate a light display or audible alerts if a prowler ventures too close. 

Make smarter delivery choices

A layered strategy and modern technology will help prevent package theft, but you can also help yourself by selecting optional delivery services. To illustrate:

• Demand a signature. This is a wise choice, particularly for more expensive items. Deliveries will never be left sitting outside. 
• Give instructions. Let drivers know where you would like parcels dropped off and keep them out of sight.
• Change the delivery address. Send more expensive deliveries to somewhere else, like your place of work or a self-service locker. Companies like Amazon have secure lockers in Reno where you can grab your orders.

Stop package theft in Reno with a Vivint smart home

Don’t allow stolen packages to ruin your holiday season. An advanced Vivint smart home will give you peace of mind and keep your deliveries safe. You’ll enjoy remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance cameras that actively deter crime. Communicate with couriers or even open your garage for package drop-offs, even when you’re away. Place a call to (775) 259-9515 today to find out more and schedule your home security installation in Reno.