Why Do People Steal Packages?

One of the most obvious explanations for why people steal packages off of doorsteps is that the opportunity presents itself. Often, they strike when nobody is home.Few people expect a thief to strike in broad daylight. Therefore, the opportunity to swipe packages off of the front steps is enticing to the thieves.

What do people do when they steal packages?

What to do if a package is stolen from your porch

• Step 1: Track the package.
• Step 2: Check if your neighbors saw it or held onto it for you.
• Step 3: Contact the seller or retailer.
• Step 4: File a claim with the shipping company.
• Step 5: Use the purchase protection features on your credit card.

Is it common for people to steal packages?

Thieves steal an estimated 1.7 million packages a day in the U.S., according to one expert.Package theft is an entry-level crime, says Holgu?n-Veras. “It’s a crime of opportunity, something that is like one step above shoplifting,” he says. And police departments seem to treat it at that level.

How do you stop someone from stealing packages?

How to Prevent Package Theft: Top 8 Tested Ways

1. Use Smart Package Lockers or Convenience Store.
2. Install Security Cameras to Prevent Package Theft.
3. Have Packages Delivered to Your Workplace/Office.
4. Get Amazon Key for Your Package Delivery.
5. Require Signature on Delivery to Stop Package Theft.

Is stealing packages a federal crime?

In short, yes. The United States Postal Service is a federal agency. Because of that, the law categorizes mail theft as a federal offense. Even though it is a “light” crime, any federal offense may result in time in a federal prison.

Who is responsible for stolen packages?

Who is responsible if a thief steals your packages: the retailer, the carrier or you? ANSWER: Typically, you’re out of luck, unless the retailer decides to be generous. Delivery companies say they’re not responsible for reimbursement if the package was successfully delivered to the correct house.

How big a problem is package theft?

Package theft is a growing problem across America as 36% have reported having a package stolen at least once.

How do you stop thieves?

Find a buddy.

1. Find a buddy. Whenever possible, don’t walk alone.
2. When walking alone, skip using headphones or taking phone calls. Robbers often target people they notice are distracted or unaware of their surroundings.
3. Don’t walk alone at night.
4. Stay aware of your surroundings.
5. Avoid unlit or deserted areas.

How often are packages stolen from porches?

Package theft frequency
Most Americans reported having packages pilfered once to twice at most in the last 12 months. While about 39% said they only had one package stolen, roughly 36% said that they had at least two packages taken.

How can I protect my package from delivery?

box at your local post office or having packages delivered to your office. Set up notifications to track your packages. Install a security camera in the area(s) outside your home where packages may be delivered. Require a signature upon delivery to ensure packages are never left unattended.

How many packages are stolen each day?

1.7 million packages
Every day 1.7 million packages are stolen or lost in the US, costing businesses $25 million daily. Despite some retailers and package delivery companies making an effort to stop porch piracy, much of this burden is still put on the consumer. So with this is mind, here are some ways you can prevent package theft.

What can I do if my neighbor stole my package?

What Can I Do if a Neighbor Steals My Package?

1. File a claim with the shipping company.
2. Request a replacement or refund from the vendor.
3. File a police report or an insurance claim.

What happens if you steal someone’s mail?

Mail theft is a serious crime; although it’s considered a lesser offense than mail fraud. A mail fraud conviction can result in a prison term of up to 30 years. In contrast, under federal law, mail theft is penalized by up to 5 years of imprisonment.

How does Apple handle lost packages?

You contact whoever you ordered from and let them know you haven’t received the product. They will initiate a trace of the package and take the appropriate action. Contact the carrier. Once they take possession of it for delivery, they are the primary party resposible for it.

Can you sue someone for stealing your packages?

If you have solid evidence that someone stole your possessions, you can sue them to get your property back or recoup its monetary value. Filing suit in small claims court is the quickest and easiest way if the value of your property comes within the court’s monetary limits.

Will USPS refund for stolen package?

If your USPS lost package was insured, you should be able to get a refund directly from USPS. If your USPS package was stolen, you should be able to go through the seller to receive a replacement or refund.

How much money does Amazon lose on stolen packages?

As Amazon drives more shopping online, Prime members say they receive on average 51 packages a year, and one in three Americans report having at least one package stolen, resulting in $25 million of lost goods and services every day, according to C+R Research.

How much mail is stolen a year?

The Postal Inspection Service data showed that mail theft reports soared by 600% over the past three years, from about 25,000 in 2017 to roughly 177,000 through Aug. 24 of this year.

What does porch pirate mean?

A person who steals newly delivered packages from other people’s porches is known as a porch pirate.

How can you tell if someone is casing your house?

Signs Someone Is Casing Your House & Your House Is Being Targeted by Burglars.

1. Unfamiliar Vehicles.
2. Strangers Walk around the Street or Neighborhood.
3. Door-to-door Scams.
4. Flyers or Stickers.
5. Toilet Excuse.
6. Strangers Request for Help with Different Excuses.
7. Strange Markings around the House.
8. Strangers Take Pictures & Walk Away.

How do burglars choose houses?

Most thieves target homes that look easy to break into. They often pick a house by surveilling the neighborhood and finding the one with the most predictable patterns of when people come and go.Most burglars enter houses through those entry points as well as the front door, the back door, or the garage.