Porch theft: Trends and prevention ahead of the holidays

The statistics are staggering. As noted in the 2025 Package Theft Report from Security.org, package thieves made off with $8.2 billion worth of online delivery orders in 2025. All told, one in four Americans has been a victim of this crime at least once in their lives. 

Porch pirates are obviously still a problem, especially during the holiday season, but there’s no reason you need to be a victim. See how a layered strategy and current smart home technology can keep your packages safe in Spokane.

A layered defense keeps Spokane porch pirates away

Holidays are 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 edge. So, what can you do to stop it taking place? Ordering a video doorbell is a smart idea, but there’s a lot more to preventing porch theft. 

A layered approach can include:

• Surveillance cameras covering your home’s border. Let prowlers know they’re being watched.
• Security signs. It’s old-school but still an effective deterrent. 
• Motion-activated lighting. A sudden burst of light is usually enough to scare thieves off. But keep in mind, porch theft commonly occurs during daylight hours.
• Connecting with your neighbors. It’s not merely about the security devices you have in place. Neighbors should watch out for one another and take note of unusual behavior. 

Current technology strengthens your security

Home security keeps evolving. You can leverage these advancements to help prevent porch theft at your Spokane property. Here are some worth considering:

• Doorbell cameras with two-way talk. Give instructions to delivery drivers or determine why someone’s at your door.
• Smart door locks and automation. Modern home security systems can be operated from wherever you are. Open your garage, tell the delivery driver put packages inside, and then close or lock the entrance when they’re done. 
• Cameras with active deterrence. You’ll come across exterior and doorbell cameras that turn on warning lights or sounds if someone gets too close. 

Make good delivery decisions

A layered approach and modern technology will help stop package theft, but you can also help yourself by making smarter delivery choices. For instance:

• Demand a signature. This is a smart choice, especially for more expensive items. Deliveries will never be left sitting outside. 
• Leave delivery instructions. Let drivers know where you would like packages left and keep them hidden from view.
• Change the delivery address. Ship more expensive deliveries to an alternate location, like your office or a self-service locker. Providers like Amazon have secure lockers in Spokane where you can grab your packages.

Halt package theft in Spokane with a Vivint smart home

Don’t allow stolen packages to spoil your holiday season. A modern Vivint smart home will put your mind at ease and keep your deliveries safe. You’ll enjoy remote access, smart home automation, and surveillance devices that help stop crime before it happens. Talk to delivery drivers or even unlock your door for deliveries, no matter where you are. Place a call to (509) 794-3440 today to find out more and arrange your smart home installation in Spokane.