Updated on 20.5.2025 & 3.9.2025: Package theft in NYC is a real problem. Porch pirates are always on the lookout to steal your packages. With the boom of e-commerce, the majority of us are into online shopping. A simple Google search also reveals that at least one package is delivered per week to a household. During the pandemic, online shopping numbers increased manyfold. With so many online packages coming to the doorsteps, package theft has also become a widespread problem.
The statistics of stolen packages are worrisome. A minimum of 49 million Americans have lost their packages at least once.
This is where Stowfly can help.
Stowfly’s package receiving services in NYC offer convenient pick-up spots right in your neighborhood, hosted by trusted local shops and stores. Instead of risking your deliveries being left unattended, you can have your packages securely delivered to a nearby storage location and pick them up at your convenience.
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In April 2024, Mayor Eric Adams and the NYC Department of Transportation launched LockerNYC, a pilot program that installs free public lockers on city sidewalks. Each locker can hold up to 25 packages and is equipped with security cameras, LED lighting and anti‑theft mechanisms. The program aims to reduce package theft in NYC while also cutting down on delivery truck traffic by consolidating deliveries at central locations.
By April 2025, the pilot had logged more than 10,000 reservations, with over 1,400 users registered and 22 locker sites operating across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Surveys showed that more than 70 % of users signed up to reduce the chance of package theft, and nearly 65 % want more locker locations. New locker sites are planned for Sunset Park and Jackson Heights, and each unit includes anti‑theft technology, overhead cameras and lighting to provide safe 24/7 access.
There is legislative momentum as well. Assembly Bill A2116, introduced in January 2025, seeks to amend New York’s penal law so that stealing a package from a porch, driveway or doorway after delivery would constitute a felony(nysenate.gov). If passed, this law could impose harsher penalties on porch pirates and help deter package theft in NYC.
In 2024, package theft in NYC resulted in an estimated $945 million in losses. This kind of news is really disappointing! It means anyone can be a victim of package theft. Getting a “package delivered notification” and coming home to packages stolen in NYC is not acceptable.
Local data from the New York City Department of Transportation show that about 80 % of city households receive at least one package per week and 20 % receive four or more; more than 90,000 packages are reported stolen or lost every day(nyc.gov). These figures underscore how pervasive package theft in NYC has become.
A Reddit user shared their frustration over having multiple packages stolen in NYC from their building, resulting in a loss of around $300. After receiving limited support from the brand involved, they filed a police report online and are now pursuing a claim through their credit card company. They turned to the community for advice, asking if others have had success getting refunds from carriers, brands, or credit card companies, and whether anyone has tips or strategies to prevent NYC package theft, acknowledging that they try to be home for important deliveries, but it's not always possible.
Another Reddit user described similar struggles dealing with NYC package theft in an apartment building. They expressed concern about recurring thefts from their lobby, particularly during the holiday season. Attempts to get assistance from building management have been ineffective, as management is unresponsive, and the lobby cameras may not even be operational. Unsure about the legality of installing a personal camera, the individual is now seeking creative solutions beyond simply redirecting their deliveries to another location.
Package theft in NYC is also attracting attention from policymakers and the media. A Gothamist investigation reported that New Yorkers filed more than 74,000 complaints for stolen packages over the past five years, and calls to the police about package theft spike 45 % during the holiday season. Despite a decline in reports in 2024, the total value of stolen packages in the city is estimated to be close to $1 billion.
If you think your packages were stolen, you must immediately try to get support from the shipping company. If you do not act quickly, you may end up not getting a refund for your package. Below is the quick guide for claiming your lost packages from various companies -
1.For Amazon missing packages -
Amazon packages can be of two kinds. One is sold by a third-party seller. The other is sold directly by Amazon. If your package is from a third-party seller, you must first contact them and try to resolve the issue. If you did not get a positive response from the third-party seller, you can then claim an Amazon A-Z Guarantee.
Your Amazon A-Z Guarantee claim may take some time till the verification process is complete. You will receive your refund once the verification was successful. For packages that are directly bought from Amazon, you can get in touch with the customer support team. You can either chat or talk to a representative for support in getting a refund for your lost package.
2.For USPS missing packages -
On their website, USPS suggests taking a few steps to verify before concluding if the package was lost. The simple steps include checking in and around the delivery areas like the porch, garage, mailbox, any area out of potential weather hazards, exterior doors, or any other locations where the packages could be placed.
If you could not find your package within 24 hours after the delivery status, you can reach out to their support. The service request may be sent by email to the local post office for follow-up. You will get a confirmation email and a contact detail within 2-3 days of your email.
3.For UPS lost packages -
If your UPS packages were not to be found 24 hours after delivery, you should contact the package sender. UPS suggests that the package sender should initiate the claim. They hold most of the information about the package like invoice, tracking ID, receipts, etc. As per the UPS website, you can start a claim by following the below steps. The detailed information can be found here.
4.FedEx lost packages -
FedEx has a straightforward procedure to start a claim on their website. You can get to the claim section from the support menu on the FedEx home page. The claim can be done in a few steps as mentioned below. You can find the detailed information for claiming here.
Although there are processes to make a claim for packages stolen or missing packages, you may still end up getting no refund. Moreover, the entire claim process is time-consuming, and you may not have the time to follow up. Below we bring you a few ways to prevent package theft in NYC-
1.Opt for a package receiving service in NYC
Package storage or package receiving services work really well in NYC. Stowfly offers one such service near you. Stowfly is a network of trusted shops and stores that act as your secondary address. While booking an order, you can simply book a Stowfly location as your delivery address.
When your package arrives, a trusted and verified partner securely receives and stores it. The package is kept till you pick it up. Stowfly package receiving services are widely available in NYC, and you can choose a convenient location near you.
Rentals are extremely affordable with subscription plans starting at $7.50/month for up to 5 packages, and $15/month for up to 15 packages. Each booking includes $1,000 of insurance coverage, providing added peace of mind.
Choosing Stowfly can totally prevent instances of package theft in NYC and stolen packages in NYC. You will never have to worry about losing important packages to porch pirates.
2.Request a trusted someone to receive packages
If you are worried about becoming a victim of package theft, you can turn to trusted ones for help. You can request a friend or a neighbor to be on the lookout to receive your package. If they are not available, you can request the security guard or the property manager to receive the package on your behalf.
3.Use a package locker
Package lockers are another way to secure your packages. Some of the apartment buildings do have package lockers to facilitate easy package management. Since most of the packages are automated, there are high levels of security. The delivery person can only access the locker with a one-time code. Once the package is delivered into the locker, you get a notification with another code to receive your package.
4.Install a doorbell camera
Installing a camera on your front door enhances security in many ways. If at all you find yourself in a situation of package theft, the footage from the camera can help you. Police often do not get into a thorough investigation for stolen packages. Having evidence in the form of camera footage can totally help in getting hold of the package thieves easily.
The rising numbers of packages stolen in NYC are an indication that you could become the next victim. Online shopping and home delivery of packages are meant to ease your life. Package theft can add stress and tension especially when the package is valuable. Taking precautions and preventive measures can totally avoid package theft in NYC.
By staying informed about initiatives like LockerNYC, understanding the scope of the problem and leveraging secure delivery options like package receiving services in NYC, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming another victim of package theft in NYC.