How Common is Package Theft?

Online shopping has become the new norm, especially during the pandemic. This is keeping the shipping industry busier than ever. It’s common to see packages waiting on doorsteps if someone doesn’t have a private mailbox service. And, unfortunately, package theft has become more common as well.

Many Americans don’t realize how prevalent this type of crime is in our country, but packages are often stolen from doorsteps, and even home mailboxes. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the statistics as well as how to avoid becoming one of them.

Reasons to Rent a Private Mailbox…

Package Theft is Common

According to Security.org, nearly four out of ten people have experienced package theft at some point. Crime has been around forever, but we’re living in a very different time than previous generations. Each year, Americans spend billions of dollars on online shopping. In normal times, this extra convenience appeals to many of us. But during the pandemic, online sales have also become a matter of protecting our health.

Theft Happens During the Day, Too

In a 2016 survey, Businesswire reported that 11 million U.S. homeowners had a package taken from their doorstep within the last year. In fact, most packages are stolen during the day. As you can imagine, the collective cost to replace these packages is astronomical.

Such thefts are also increasing the popularity of private mailbox rental services, particularly for people who prefer shipping most of their products, rather than going to the store.

It’s on the Rise

Package theft from doorsteps and home mailboxes has been on the rise in the United States. According to The New York Times, over 90,000 packages went missing in New York City every single day in 2019. In that period, New York recorded a 20% increase from the previous four years.

Stunningly, the Los Angeles Police Department recorded a 320% increase in mail theft between 2010 and 2019.

A Repeat Offense

For residents who have already experienced package theft, it’s best to sign up for a private mailbox service. This is because package theft is often a repeat offense and certain homeowners are later targeted again. This is likely because the thief is familiar with the homeowner’s work schedule. Most victims claim to have had their packages hijacked more than once—sometimes right from their Beverly Hills mailbox.

Apprehending Culprits

When you’re an honest person, you might not even imagine that the package you just ordered could go missing. Most people have total confidence in the process—from their online shopping experience all the way to their doorstep or Beverly Hills mailbox.

But some homeowners have taken a more proactive approach by installing security cameras outside their houses to catch these “porch pirates.” Unfortunately, even if they’re recorded on camera, it can be difficult for the police to identify them and make arrests.

According to this source, police are actually making few arrests. In fact, less than 10% of package theft cases are even reported. Most police departments don’t have time to investigate these thefts, which is all the more reason to choose private mailbox rental.

The Cost of Theft

In general, it costs most people $200 to replace their stolen packages, which is much more than the rental fee for a private mailbox. Unfortunately, not all packages are replaceable. This is a very real concern for Americans who rely on shipping services for their prescriptions refills.

A Countrywide Problem

Package theft is heavily concentrated in major cities, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. It’s not only these populated areas that are hit hard by package theft, though. Even rural communities are seeing a rise in porch piracy, especially during the pandemic.

Theft During the Holidays

Although it’s a crime that happens all year round, package theft is also more common during the holidays. In fact, this is when homeowners report the highest number of stolen deliveries. Thieves target people that rely heavily on shipping their holiday presents.

Why Prevention is Crucial

As with most situations, prevention is the best solution. Currently, shipping companies and vendors are working to implement new technologies that ensure deliveries are made safely.

If you’re concerned that your Beverly Hills mailbox isn’t secure, what can you do? Aside from implementing better home security measures, such as installing a camera like Vivint, Google Nest, or Ring, you can also sign up for a private mailbox at your local shipping center. These cameras are designed to allow homeowners to monitor their doorway and record the footage 24/7.

Tips to Prevent Package Theft

1. Retrieve packages as soon as they arrive.
2. Use a tracking feature to determine when your package is scheduled to be delivered.
3. Choose an alternative pick-up station.
4. If you’re traveling out of town, ask for your packages to be held.
5. Consider purchasing a security camera.
6. Rent a private mailbox.

Private Mailbox Rental

Regardless of your best efforts, some of your packages may still go missing without a private mailbox rental. It’s simply the safest way to ensure that your valuables are safe until you can pick them up. If you’re in the Beverly Hills area, contact us at Mail Boxes Times for more information about our services. We can be reached at (310) 276-5076.