7 Smart Ways to Help Keep Deliveries Safe

Practical ways to help keep your deliveries secure—whether you're home or away.

From household essentials to last-minute gifts, packages land on doorsteps every day—sometimes multiple times a day. Unfortunately, package theft remains a massive and costly problem—USPS Office of Inspector General reports that at least 58 million packages were stolen in 2024 alone. In some neighborhoods, stolen deliveries have become a frustratingly common occurrence.

But here’s the good news: with a few simple changes and smart tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of your packages disappearing. Whether you live in a single-family home, a townhouse, or an apartment complex, there are practical steps you can take to help keep your deliveries safe from the moment they arrive.

In this guide, we’ll walk through seven effective strategies to help protect your packages—and give you greater peace of mind when you’re not home to receive them.

Tip #1: Use Smart Doorbell Cameras to Monitor Your Entryway

One of the most effective ways to help deter package theft is to install a smart doorbell camera. These devices do more than just record motion—they let you see and speak to whoever approaches your doorstep, whether you're home or not. That real-time connection can help discourage potential thieves and give you awareness when deliveries arrive.

Key Benefits:

• Real-time notifications: Get alerts to your phone as soon as motion is detected or a package is dropped off.
• Two-way communication: Speak to delivery drivers or unexpected visitors directly through the app.
• Video evidence: Footage can be useful in the event of a theft, especially when filing a report with authorities or a delivery carrier.

   

Placement Tips:

• Install the camera at chest level, angled slightly downward to capture faces and packages clearly.
• Make sure it’s positioned in a well-lit area, ideally paired with motion-activated lighting for maximum visibility.
• If your entryway is shared (like in an apartment or duplex), be mindful of local regulations and privacy boundaries.

While no single solution is foolproof, visible cameras alone can act as a strong deterrent to would-be porch pirates—especially when they know they’re being recorded.

Tip #2: Add Motion-Activated Lighting to Deter Porch Pirates

Dark or shadowed entryways can make it easier for thieves to approach undetected. Motion-activated lights help change that dynamic by drawing attention to anyone who steps onto your property—often enough to make them think twice.

Why Lighting Matters

Most package thefts happen during daylight hours, but dim conditions in the early morning or evening can still create easy opportunities for porch pirates. Sudden lighting not only startles intruders but also signals to neighbors or passersby that someone is at your door.

Where to Install:

• Front porch or stoop: Position lights to cover the main delivery area.
• Walkways or side gates: Illuminate common access paths.
• Driveway or garage entrance: Add another layer of visibility to your property perimeter.

Smart vs. Manual Options:

• Smart lighting systems can be automated based on schedules or triggered by motion and integrated into home security apps.
• Solar-powered options are great for areas without nearby outlets.
• Basic motion-activated floodlights remain a cost-effective solution with wide coverage.

When paired with a visible doorbell camera, lighting acts as both a visual deterrent and a functional safety feature. It sends a simple but powerful message: this home is being watched—and it’s not a soft target.

Tip #3: Customize Delivery Instructions

Many package thefts occur because deliveries are left in plain sight—often unattended for hours. Fortunately, most major carriers now allow you to customize how and where your packages are delivered, giving you more control over their security.

Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference:

• Leave specific instructions: Use the delivery notes section at checkout to direct drivers to a side door, behind a planter, or another less visible area.
• Use delivery preferences in carrier apps: Most delivery services let you adjust delivery windows, set notifications, or even request a signature.
• Redirect when needed: If you know you won’t be home, some carriers allow you to reroute packages to a local pickup point or secure locker.

Other Options:

• Parcel lockboxes: Lockable delivery boxes give drivers a secure place to drop off packages while keeping them out of view.
• Workplace: If you’re expecting a high-value item, consider having it shipped to your workplace to help provide peace of mind.

Even small adjustments in delivery instructions can reduce visibility and help prevent theft.

Tip #4: Set Up Delivery Alerts and Monitor Packages in Real-Time

Knowing exactly when a package arrives gives you a valuable head start—whether you’re a few blocks away or out of town. With real-time delivery alerts, you can track items as they move and respond quickly if something seems off.

Ways to Stay Informed:

• Carrier notifications: Most shipping companies offer email or text alerts as packages move through each stage—shipped, out for delivery, and delivered.
• App-based tracking: Many delivery services provide apps with live tracking and often include photo confirmation.
• Smart security integrations: If your home uses a security system with mobile alerts, motion-triggered notifications or camera snapshots can alert you the moment a package hits the ground.

Why It Matters:

• Speed reduces risk: The faster you know a package has arrived, the less time it sits unattended.
• Visibility prevents missed deliveries: Some apps allow you to coordinate pickup with neighbors or redirect packages if something changes.
• Multi-layer protection: Combining carrier alerts with camera and motion sensor notifications gives you a more complete picture of your entryway activity.

By layering tracking tools and mobile alerts, you’re better equipped to act quickly—helping reduce the chances of theft or missed deliveries altogether.

Tip #5: Schedule Deliveries Strategically (or Redirect Them)

Timing can play a major role in whether your package makes it safely inside or disappears from your doorstep. The fewer hours a delivery sits out in the open, the lower the risk of theft. With a little planning, you can better control when—and where—your packages arrive.

Tips for Smarter Scheduling:

• Request delivery during active hours: When possible, choose delivery times when someone is likely to be home or passing by—whether that’s you, a neighbor, or just general foot traffic in your neighborhood.
• Reduce visibility gaps: If your porch or entryway is poorly lit or hidden from view, consider scheduling deliveries when there’s more natural light or activity nearby.
• Consolidate orders: Some retailers allow you to bundle shipments into a single delivery window, reducing the number of drop-offs (and exposure times).
• Use delivery instructions: Add notes for couriers to leave packages in less visible areas, such as side entrances or lockboxes—when appropriate.

Consider Redirecting or Holding Packages:

• Use secure pickup locations: Many carriers offer lockers, retail partner pickups, or post office holds at no extra cost.
• Pause delivery while traveling: Vacation hold options can keep packages off your porch until you return.
• Coordinate with a neighbor: If you're expecting an important package, see if a neighbor can collect it shortly after it’s delivered. You can even streamline this process using ADT’s Trusted Neighbor™ service that lets you grant secure, temporary access to your home through the ADT+ app.

Proactive scheduling is a simple but powerful tool. Even small adjustments to when or where your deliveries arrive can significantly lower the chances of porch piracy.

Tip #6: Secure the Front Porch and Entry Area

Your front porch isn’t just a place for deliveries—it’s also one of the most visible parts of your home. Making a few physical changes to this space can help discourage theft by increasing both visibility and perceived surveillance.

Ways to Strengthen Your Entry Area:

• Install a gate or low fencing: Even modest barriers can make it harder for someone to quickly grab a package and leave undetected.
• Use large planters or furniture strategically: These can block line-of-sight to packages from the street while keeping your porch welcoming and functional.
• Add “No Trespassing” or security signs: Visual cues—even without full systems—can be enough to make thieves second-guess.

Amplify the Message with Visibility:

• Visible cameras and lighting: The more obvious it is that your property is being watched, the greater the deterrent effect.
• Keep the area tidy and well-lit: A maintained space suggests someone is paying attention and often at home.

Think of this area as the first impression you give to a potential thief. If it looks like your porch is actively monitored and access is slightly obstructed, many will move on to an easier target.

Tip #7: Reinforce Protection with a Home Security System

While individual tools like cameras, lights, and delivery preferences go a long way, a comprehensive home security system can help tie everything together—creating a smarter, more responsive approach to helping deter package theft.

Rather than relying on any one device, integrated systems offer layered protection that works whether you're home or away.

How a Security System Helps:

• Monitors your property 24/7: Systems can include door/window sensors, motion detectors, and cameras that keep watch over your entryway.
• Delivers real-time alerts: You’ll be notified when motion is detected, a package is dropped off, or someone lingers near your door.
• Supports quick response: Many systems offer mobile app control, letting you check footage, talk through a camera, or even lock/unlock doors remotely.
• Can include professional monitoring: With this added layer, trained specialists are ready to help contact emergency services if a break-in or other event occurs—especially valuable if you're unable to respond right away.

Note: Some systems may also integrate with video doorbells, smart lights, and garage controllers to create a unified experience—all of which can help discourage theft and improve delivery visibility.

Features That Are Especially Helpful for Deliveries:

• Entryway and driveway cameras: Capture activity and create a visible deterrent.
• Motion-activated alerts: Let you know exactly when someone approaches, even before they reach the porch.
• Smart locks and garage access: Allow for secure, contactless drop-offs that keep packages out of sight until you're home.

Whether you build your own setup or work with a provider, the goal is the same: to help secure the areas where deliveries happen most often and provide you with greater control over what happens next.

What to Do If a Package Gets Stolen

Even with smart prevention tactics in place, package theft can still happen. If you suspect a delivery has been stolen, acting quickly can improve your chances of recovering the item—or getting it replaced.

Step-by-Step Response:

Pro Tip: Many carriers now offer photo confirmation and real-time delivery alerts—using these features can help reduce uncertainty about when (and where) a package was left.

Seasonal Considerations: When Package Theft Spikes

Package theft—commonly dubbed “porch piracy”—isn’t just a year-round nuisance; it becomes significantly more prevalent during certain high-volume delivery periods. Understanding these trends can help families stay vigilant when it matters most.

High-Risk Periods

• Holiday and Peak Delivery Seasons: According to the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, as many as 58 million packages were stolen and $16 billion lost to theft across the U.S. in 2024. These figures often spike during holiday shopping windows like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and December, when package volumes surge and theft opportunities increase.

Why These Times Are Targeted

As more packages arrive in a concentrated timeframe, unattended deliveries become easier targets. The USPS notes that last-mile package theft creates major financial burdens, erodes consumer trust, and disrupts the logistics chain—especially during heavy delivery weeks.

What You Can Do Now

To help guard against this seasonal surge:

• Schedule deliveries during times when someone is likely home, typically mid-morning to early afternoon.
• Activate delivery alerts and monitor footage closely during high-volume weeks.
• Increase visibility around entry points with devices like cameras and motion lights.
• Consider secure options—like lockers or in-garage delivery—during peak shopping seasons.

By combining situational awareness with layered prevention strategies, families can help keep their packages safe when porch pirates are most active.

If you’re looking to add an extra layer of protection, ADT’s smart home security systems include features like video doorbells, mobile alerts, and outdoor cameras—backed by professional monitoring to help keep your deliveries safer, even when you’re not home.