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New Study Ranks ‘Porch Pirates’ and States Most At-Risk For Holiday Package Theft

new study — showing nearly 40% of consumers have been victims of package theft from “porch pirates” – compiled a state ranking of consumers the most and least at risk.The five most at-risk states are: D.C., New Mexico, Alaska, Louisiana, South Carolina.The five states with the lowest risk include: Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Idaho.


Security.org today released a study on States Most At-Risk For Holiday Package Theft using the most recent data on larceny thefts from buildings from the FBI as well as survey results from more than 1,000 consumers across the country.Online shopping from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 is projected to increase to $136 billion, a 13% jump from 2018.  Driven by Amazon, the package delivery industry is expected to reach $107 billion.  This has created a new avenue for criminals and a new term: “Porch Pirate.”

Here are key findings from the study:

  • D.C. ranks No. 1 with 3,650.40 larceny thefts per 100,000 residents.·       
  • Massachusetts has the lowest risk with 1,078 larceny thefts per 100,000 residents·       
  • Larceny from buildings is the 3rd most common type accounting for 10.6% of all cases. 
  • Larceny from vehicles in No. 1 at 34.2% and shoplifting is No. 2 at 20.8%.·       
  • 89% of larceny thefts occur in major metro areas.

Here are the 4 most common steps to prevent package theft:

  • Install doorbell camera (29%),
  • install outdoor camera (23%),
  • have packages sent to another address (17%),
  • get a security system (12%).·       

Other suggested solutions: Give letter carrier a key, schedule deliveries when you are home, deliver packages to your workplace, use an Amazon locker.

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