Holiday package theft: Tips to prevent a grinch from stealing your Christmas

Online shoppers are more vulnerable to package theft toward the end of the year during the holiday season.

One in four Americans — or 64 million people — said they’ve have had a delivery stolen from them “at some point,” according to a new report by Security.org.

The study revealed that thieves stole $8.2 billion worth of online orders — averaging $222 per package — in the last year alone.

FILE – A package sits on a doorstep. (WNWO)

The U.S. Postal Service said there are a few ways to help keep your gifts safe.

“The holidays are a wonderful time to reach out to friends and family by sending a card or gift, or to spread goodwill by donating to charity,” the U.S. Postal Service said. “Unfortunately, criminals are looking to capitalize on your holiday spirit, but there are a few easy tips you can take to keep them at bay.”

Those tips include the following:

• Use Informed Delivery, where you can manage upcoming deliveries, track parcels, and see a personalized Daily Digest that previews your incoming mail and packages.
• Promptly pick up mail and packages. Try not to leave letters and packages in your mailbox or at your door for any length of time.
• Don’t send cash.
• Arrange for prompt pickup. If you cannot be home to receive a package, make another arrangement or use USPS Hold Mail service.
• Use Hold for Pickup. When shipping packages, use the Hold for Pickup option, and the recipients can collect the package at their local Post OfficeTM location using USPS Package Intercept.
• Request signature confirmation. When mailing something important, consider requesting Signature ConfirmationTM for the intended recipient.
• Ensure your home security cameras capture activity at your front door and mailbox.

Security.orgs shared similar advice.

FILE – A package sits on a doorstep. (WNWO)

“Simple approaches like requiring signatures or sending packages to work still work well,” the study noted. “Artificial intelligence and smart home devices have given us even more options for monitoring deliveries remotely.”

You can also use apps to keep packages from being stolen. Tracking apps, according to the study, are a popular choice.

These apps often give you real-time updates, so you can follow your package on a map, know exactly when it arrives, and see photos showing where it was dropped off,” the study noted.

Security.org added that while 37 million packages were projected to be stolen throughout 2025, nearly 70% of holiday purchases will be delivered.