Statistics show that 26% of individuals have experienced package theft, with the U.S., Canada, and Chile ranking among the most affected countries. Porch piracy is a widespread problem affecting people worldwide.
A large number of people around the world leave their packages unattended outside their homes after delivery, increasing the risk of theft.
A discussion on straightdope.com to the question of “ Is package theft a problem in your country? “ has responses ranging from:
Package theft has become an increasing issue across Europe, with incidents rising sharply in recent years, especially during high-demand shopping periods such as the holiday season. The prevalence of porch piracy in Europe varies from country to country, influenced by factors such as delivery systems, population density, and the effectiveness of security measures.
United Kingdom
High Prevalence: Among the highest online shopping rates in Europe, with over 1 in 10 shoppers experiencing package theft (2021 survey).
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Germany
Lower Prevalence: Around 4% of online shoppers report package theft, but incidents are rising.
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France
Moderate Prevalence: Approximately 8% of online shoppers report package theft.
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Netherlands
Low Prevalence: Only 3-5% of shoppers report package theft.
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Italy
Moderate Prevalence: Estimated 5-7% of consumers experience package theft.
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Spain
Moderate Prevalence: Around 6-7% of online shoppers report package theft.
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Source :amazenoutdoor.com.au
Package theft is notably rare in Japan owing to the country’s cultural norms emphasizing respect for others’ property and a strong sense of community responsibility. An efficient lost-and-found system also contributes to low instances of package theft.
Although Japan typically experiences low crime rates, including package theft, such incidents do occur occasionally, prompting people to take preventive measures. A global survey by Vivint indicated that in Japan, the average monetary loss per stolen package was reported at $114.
A Tokyo resident who is also a Reddit user recently experienced package theft after ordering from Amazon. The package was delivered while they were at school, and a photo confirmation showed it placed at their front door. However, upon returning home four hours later, the package was missing.
Given the open-air hallway of their apartment and the recent rainy weather, they initially considered the possibility that a neighbor had moved the package to prevent it from getting wet. However, the absence of any note or communication raised concerns that the package had been stolen. Since they had not authorized Amazon to leave the package unattended, they were unsure whether they would qualify for a refund. Fortunately, Amazon has now confirmed that they will be reimbursed for the lost order.
A recent CNET survey on package theft and porch piracy revealed that while 71% of American adults acknowledge the issue and intend to take preventive measures, many remain uncertain about the most effective solutions.
According to Security.org, porch pirates stole an estimated $12 billion worth of goods in 2024. Data from SafeWise indicates that most stolen packages in 2023 were delivered by Amazon and the U.S. Postal Service, highlighting the vulnerabilities in the country’s delivery system.
A Frustrating Reality for Consumers
A Brooklyn Reddit user shared their ongoing struggle with package theft since moving into their apartment 1.5 years ago. Despite taking precautions—requiring signatures, tracking deliveries, and being home for drop-offs—their packages, including critical medication, continue to vanish within minutes of arrival. In one incident, an Amazon driver confirmed leaving a package in the lobby, only for it to disappear almost instantly.
Repeated complaints to building management have gone unanswered, lobby cameras remain nonfunctional, and law enforcement requires concrete evidence before intervening. Frustrated and out of options, the resident turned to the online community for advice after yet another stolen package.
This experience is far from unique. Many Reddit discussions, such as "Why is it so easy to be a package thief in the USA?" and "Why is package stealing a thing in the US?", have generated widespread debate, with users citing multiple factors contributing to the problem.
Why is Package Theft So Prevalent?
Ben Stickle, a criminal justice administration professor at Middle Tennessee State University, describes package theft as a "crime of opportunity." Thieves specifically target unattended deliveries left in easily accessible locations, such as porches, lobbies, and mailrooms. Unlike some countries where couriers require signatures or use secure pickup points, many U.S. delivery services still rely on doorstep drop-offs, making theft incredibly easy.
Solutions to Combat Porch Piracy
To counter package theft, many consumers are turning to secure delivery solutions, including:
Package lockers: Code-protected lockers offered by Amazon and major carriers.
P.O. boxes: Reliable alternatives at post offices or private mail centers.
Third-party pickup services: Neighborhood businesses offering secure storage for deliveries.
One company addressing this issue is Stowfly, a pioneer in secure package receiving services. Stowfly allows customers to have their deliveries sent to designated locations—such as nearby businesses—for a small fee, ensuring packages are kept safe until retrieval.
"Customer frustration was mounting," says Stowfly CEO Sid Khattri in an interview to vox.com. The company operates around 150 delivery locations, mainly in New York, with expansion into Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and many others.
Khattri points out that as e-commerce continues to grow, retailers can no longer absorb the high costs of shipping, redelivery attempts, and stolen packages indefinitely. The issue extends beyond individual consumers—it affects businesses, shipping companies, and even governments. Without scalable solutions, the sheer volume of deliveries could become unsustainable.
The Future of Package Security
With package theft continuing to rise, a shift towards secure, alternative delivery methods is inevitable. While technology-driven solutions like smart lockers, secure pickup points, and AI-powered surveillance are gaining traction, addressing this widespread issue will require collaboration between consumers, retailers, delivery services, and policymakers to create a safer, more reliable system.
In conclusion, package theft remains a global issue, with varying levels of prevalence across different regions. While countries like the U.S. and the U.K. struggle with high rates of porch piracy due to unattended deliveries, others, like Japan and the Netherlands, have effective security measures that minimize theft. As e-commerce continues to grow, innovative solutions such as parcel lockers, secure pickup points, and neighborhood package-receiving services are becoming essential in preventing theft. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between consumers, delivery services, and policymakers to ensure safer and more reliable delivery systems worldwide.