Seattle police issue warning about spike in holiday mail thefts following multiple bold break-ins of USPS trucks, according to an article on komonews.com. After two mail truck break-ins in West Seattle within a week, USPS is urging the public to report any unusual banking activity that might assist in identifying the suspects.
To help reduce the risk of future stolen packages in Seattle and USPS missing packages in Seattle, the postal service recommends signing up for Informed Delivery to monitor incoming mail, picking up mail directly from a postal facility, or having packages sent to an alternate address where someone is available to receive or sign for them.
Stowfly’s package receiving services offer a secure alternate address for package acceptance. Try Stowfly free for a month and experience the convenience of secure package delivery at a nearby store!
A resident in the Capitol Hill area shared their frustration on Reddit about a recent package theft in Seattle. Although they typically use Amazon lockers, they chose home delivery this time, thinking it would be safe since they were home.
Unfortunately, the package, containing a pair of pants and sandals, was stolen just six minutes after being delivered. The individual warned others to be on the lookout for someone wearing a black shell jacket and carrying a red backpack.
Tired of Stolen Packages
byu/SunnysidePsychosis inSeattle
Video Source: Reddit
Comments on this Reddit post mentioned that the porch pirate could have been actively tailing Amazon delivery trucks, watching where they drop off packages, so they can steal them shortly after they're delivered. Or, passively observing a neighborhood, waiting to see any delivery activity, like a driver stopping, and then targeting the house afterward.
Other comments suggested the use of Ballard Mailbox and also installing a secure lockbox to prevent package theft.
Amazon Lockers, home lockboxes, and private mailboxes offer practical solutions to safeguard packages from thieves. Here’s how these services provide peace of mind for those looking to avoid package theft while ensuring that their deliveries are protected, whether they’re at home or away.
You can receive your Amazon orders, even if you prefer not to have them delivered to your home or workplace. You can find a nearby Amazon Locker if you search by address or ZIP code.
At checkout, select the locker as your delivery location. After your package arrives, you’ll get an email with instructions—use a code, barcode, or the Amazon Shopping app to unlock the locker and pick up your item.
Note: Not all items qualify. Packages must be under 10 pounds, smaller than 16 x 12 x 14 inches, and sold or fulfilled by Amazon. If an item isn’t eligible, locker delivery won’t be available at checkout.
Source: aboutamazon.com
A lockbox is a secure, weather-resistant container—typically made of metal—used in package storage to safeguard deliveries from theft and environmental damage. It’s ideal for receiving packages when recipients aren’t home, and can also serve general storage purposes.
They come in various types, including key lock boxes for strong security, combination lock boxes for keyless access, and package delivery boxes designed specifically for parcels with weather-resistant features.
Lockboxes, while useful, come with security risks such as unauthorized access through stolen keys or cracked codes, physical tampering with poorly built models or even theft of the entire box if not secured properly. They also pose challenges in managing multiple packages, require dedicated installation space, and can be costly or complex—especially electronic models, which may be expensive and difficult to program or integrate with apps.
Ballard Mailbox offers private mailboxes and reliable shipping services in Seattle. As an authorized center for UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS it is a private and secure way to receive mail and packages.
Applicants can begin the process by completing the online application and uploading two forms of identification.
The setup fee is $15 for both small and large boxes. Below are the available rental options.
Monthly Rental:
3-Month Rental:
6-Month Rental:
1-Year Rental:
Source:ballardmailbox.com
Seattle has seen a steady increase in package thefts in recent years, driven by the rise in online shopping and often limited building security.
A resident living in a townhome in the Queen Anne neighborhood has experienced frequent package thefts in Seattle, often within just 10 to 15 minutes after a delivery, as if someone is actively following the mail carrier. Despite having consistent video footage of the incidents, there have been no real consequences. The resident, who is also a Reddit user feels exhausted and disheartened, sensing that these package thefts will just keep happening with no meaningful intervention.
The graph below illustrates the rising trend of package thefts in Seattle from the onset of the pandemic through 2024.
Another Reddit user living near the University of Washington expressed frustration over recurring Seattle package thefts in their apartment building. They reported that unauthorized individuals frequently enter the lobby, and in a recent incident, someone broke into a package locker, which resulted in an Amazon stolen package. Due to repeated occurrences, the resident feels discouraged from ordering valuable items, fearing they’ll be stolen before they arrive home.
Stowfly's package receiving services provide a convenient solution for all your delivery needs, offering local storage options in your neighborhood. By partnering with nearby shops and stores, Stowfly ensures a safe space to receive and hold packages as close to you as possible. Pick up your packages at your convenience.
Unlike traditional mailboxes for rent, package receiving service provides greater flexibility, accepting deliveries from all carriers, thereby preventing Amazon missing packages, FedEx stolen packages, and UPS lost packages in Seattle.
When your package arrives at a verified location, you'll receive a unique pick-up PIN. This PIN must be provided to our location partner in order to securely collect your package.
With local partner locations, you can quickly and easily collect your packages without the hassle of visiting a post office or package locker. All you need to do is find and book a location that suits you, considering its hours of operation and proximity to your home or office, by visiting our mobile-optimized website at stowfly.com.
Packages up to 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft in size and weighing up to 50 pounds are accepted.
Stowfly offers affordable subscription plans starting at just $7.50 for up to 5 packages per month, or $15 for up to 15 packages. Each package is also covered by a $1,000 insurance policy.
You can now take advantage of Stowfly’s wide-reaching package receiving network with an exclusive limited-time offer—your first month is free! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy secure, easy package management at absolutely no cost.
More details about how Stowfly is redefining package receiving for locals and travelers in this blog.