37 Million Packages STOLEN

Package thieves are wreaking unprecedented havoc on American families this holiday season, with billions in stolen merchandise exposing the dangerous vulnerabilities of our e-commerce-dependent society.

Story Highlights

Porch pirates steal an estimated 37 million packages annually, costing Americans $8.2 billion in losses
Holiday season sees dramatic surge with 25 packages per adult delivered between October-December
Apartment dwellers face three times higher risk than homeowners, with 98% of thefts targeting street-visible deliveries
Only 25% of victims report thefts to police, hampering law enforcement response and accurate crime statistics

Package Theft Reaches Crisis Levels During Holiday Rush

American families face an alarming surge in package theft as the 2025 holiday season unfolds. Current data reveals approximately 37 million packages stolen annually, translating to roughly 101,000 thefts per day nationwide. The average stolen package value has risen to $222, reflecting inflation’s impact on merchandise costs. This epidemic particularly threatens hardworking families who rely on online shopping for holiday gifts, with 31 million Americans experiencing gift theft during peak shopping periods.

Urban Communities Bear Disproportionate Burden

Apartment residents experience package theft at triple the rate of single-family homeowners, highlighting how urban living creates additional vulnerabilities for law-abiding citizens. Research shows 98% of stolen packages were visible from the street and located within 25 feet of the curb. Criminal opportunists deliberately target medium-sized boxes from recognizable retailers, exploiting the convenience systems that busy American families depend upon. States like Kentucky, North Dakota, and Nebraska report the highest theft rates, contradicting assumptions that urban areas face the greatest risk.

Law Enforcement Response Falls Short

Fewer than 25% of package theft victims report crimes to police, creating a massive underreporting problem that hampers effective law enforcement response. This reluctance stems from perceived futility and bureaucratic hassles that discourage busy Americans from seeking justice. The situation represents a breakdown in basic property protection that our communities have traditionally expected. Multiple victimization affects 79% of targeted households, suggesting organized criminal activity rather than random opportunistic theft.

Economic Impact Devastates American Households

Package theft imposes an estimated $8.2 billion annual burden on American consumers, with 82% of victims losing over $100 per incident. These losses disproportionately impact working families who budget carefully for holiday purchases and essential household items. The crisis erodes confidence in e-commerce systems that have become integral to American commerce, with 52% of consumers expressing worry about package security. Holiday shopping disruptions force families to make additional purchases, compounding financial stress during an already expensive season.

Security experts recommend that Americans demand better protection from delivery companies while taking personal responsibility through scheduling home deliveries, installing doorbell cameras, and consistently reporting thefts to law enforcement. The package theft epidemic represents a failure of both corporate accountability and community safety measures that hardworking American families deserve to have addressed.