Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The figures are eye-opening. As noted in the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves stole $8.2 billion in online delivery orders in 2025. All told, one in four Americans has been a victim of package theft at some point in their lives. 

Porch pirates are definitely still a threat, most of all during the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a victim. See how a layered approach and modern smart home tech can keep your deliveries safe in Baton Rouge.

Layered protection keeps Baton Rouge porch pirates away

Holidays are already stressful enough with travel chaos, scheduling conflicts, stretched-out budgets, and in-laws who test your nerves. The last thing you need is a missing delivery to send you over the top. So, how do you prevent it from happening? Installing a doorbell camera is a smart opening move, but there’s more to the puzzle of preventing package theft. 

A layered defense can include:

• Surveillance cameras around your home’s border. Let trespassers know they’re being watched.
• Security signs. It’s low-tech but still a proven deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lighting. A sudden burst of light is typically enough to frighten criminals off. But keep in mind, porch theft commonly occurs during the day.
• Connecting with your neighbors. It’s not merely about the security tech you have. Neighbors should keep an eye out for one another and take note of unusual behavior. 

Current tech boosts your defense

Home security continues to evolve. You can use these advancements to stop porch theft at your Baton Rouge property. Here are a few worth considering:

• Video doorbells with two-way audio. Give instructions to delivery drivers or determine why someone’s on your doorstep.
• Smart locks and custom automation. Today’s home security can be operated remotely. Open your garage, let the courier put packages inside, and then close or lock the entrance when they leave. 
• Video cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across outdoor and doorbell cameras that turn on a light display or audible alerts if a prowler ventures too close. 

Make good delivery decisions

A layered defense and modern devices will help stop package theft, but you can also help yourself by making smarter delivery choices. To illustrate:

• Require a signature. This is a great choice, particularly for higher value goods. Deliveries will never be left unattended. 
• Provide instructions. Let drivers know where you would like packages left and keep them out of view.
• Redirect packages. Deliver higher-value deliveries to another location, like your office or a secure pickup locker. Companies like Amazon have secure lockers in Baton Rouge where you can grab deliveries.

Halt package theft in Baton Rouge with a Vivint smart home

Don’t allow pilfered packages to spoil your holiday season. A cutting-edge Vivint smart home will ease your mind and keep your packages in the right hands. You’ll appreciate having remote access, custom home automation, and surveillance cameras that actively deter crime. Speak with delivery drivers or even open your garage for deliveries, no matter where you are. Place a call to (225) 725-8055 today to learn more and arrange your home security installation in Baton Rouge.