What Do I Do If a Package Is Stolen? Steps to Take

The excitement of online shopping can quickly turn sour when a package vanishes from your doorstep. Porch piracy, as it's commonly known, is a frustrating reality for many. But don't let the fear of theft stop you from enjoying the convenience of online shopping. If you find yourself a victim of this unfortunate situation, there are practical steps you can take to address it. Let's explore what to do if a package is stolen and how to prevent it from happening again.

How Common Is Porch Theft?

It's important to understand the scope of the problem. According to Security.org's 2023 Package Theft Report, a staggering 17% of Americans have had a package stolen in the past three months, resulting in over $8 billion in stolen merchandise annually.

These alarming statistics underscore the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard your deliveries.

Immediate Actions To Take If Your Package Is Stolen

1. Verify the Theft:

Check with Neighbors: It's possible a neighbor mistakenly received your package or witnessed suspicious activity. Kindly inquire if they have any information.
Review Delivery Confirmation: Track the package online using the provided tracking number. Ensure it shows a "delivered" status at your correct address.
Inspect Surroundings: Look around your property for any signs of the package or evidence of theft, like footprints or discarded packaging.

2. Notify the Involved Parties:

Contact the Seller/Retailer: Inform the seller or online store about the stolen package. They may offer a refund, replacement, or assist in filing a claim with the shipping company.
Contact the Shipping Carrier: If the seller is unable to help, reach out directly to the shipping carrier (e.g., FedEx, USPS, UPS). File a claim for the lost or stolen package, providing all relevant details and evidence.
Contact Your Credit Card Company: If you used a credit card for the purchase, inquire about purchase protection benefits that may cover stolen packages. File a claim with your credit card company if applicable.

3. Report the Crime:

File a Police Report: Contact your local police department to report the theft. Provide details like the date and time of delivery, a description of the stolen package, and any available evidence (e.g., security camera footage).
Submit Online Reports (if applicable): Some police departments or communities may offer online reporting options for non-emergency crimes like package theft. Check if this is available in your area.

Who's Delivering?	Where to Report (Source)	How Long is the Process?
Amazon	Amazon's "Track Package" page or contact Amazon Customer Service (https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GENAFPTNLHV7ZACW)	Typically resolved within a few days, may depend on investigation and seller response.
USPS	File a "Missing Mail Search Request" online or at your local post office (https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm)	Varies, can take several weeks depending on the complexity of the case and investigation.
FedEx	File a claim online through the FedEx claims portal (https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html)	Generally takes 5-7 business days for initial review, may take longer for investigation and resolution.
UPS	File a claim online through the UPS claims portal (https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/file-a-claim.page)	Usually takes 8-15 business days for initial review, may require additional time for investigation.
Other Carriers	Check the carrier's website for specific instructions on filing a claim.	Varies depending on the carrier's policies and procedures.

How do I Stop People From Stealing My Porch Packages?

Request a Signature Confirmation: Opt for signature confirmation upon delivery whenever possible, especially for valuable items. This ensures the package is handed directly to you or someone you trust.
Use a Secure Delivery Location: If you're not home often, consider having packages delivered to your workplace, a trusted neighbor's house, or an Amazon Locker.
Install a Security Camera: A visible security camera can deter potential thieves and provide evidence if a theft does occur. Consider a system like Kangaroo Home Security with the Kangaroo Cam to monitor your doorstep and receive alerts when packages arrive.
Schedule Deliveries for When You're Home: If possible, schedule deliveries for times when you or someone you trust will be home to receive them.
Insure Valuable Packages: For expensive items, consider purchasing additional insurance through the shipping company or a third-party provider.
Track Your Packages: Stay informed about your package's journey by tracking it online. This allows you to anticipate its arrival and take necessary precautions.

Additional Tips:

Gather Evidence: If you have a security camera or doorbell camera, review footage for any clues about the theft. Save any relevant clips or images to share with authorities and the shipping company.
Be Persistent: Follow up with the seller, shipping carrier, and credit card company (if applicable) to ensure your claim is being processed. Don't hesitate to escalate the issue if necessary.

Kangaroo Home Security: Deter Theft and Get Reimbursed

Learn more

Kangaroo doesn't just help prevent package theft; it can also help you recover losses if the worst happens. Their affordable and user-friendly home security solutions offer an added layer of protection for your deliveries.

Kangaroo Security Camera: This smart camera provides real-time video monitoring of your doorstep, allowing you to see who's approaching and get notified when packages are delivered. This visual deterrent alone can discourage potential thieves.
Package Theft Reimbursement: Even with precautions, theft can still occur. That's where Kangaroo's unique plans come in.
- Cam Protect: Subscribers can receive up to $250 reimbursement for stolen packages if captured on their Kangaroo Cam.
- Complete Protect: This plan offers enhanced coverage, providing up to $1000 reimbursement for theft, stolen packages and damage due to theft.
24/7 Professional Monitoring & Cloud Storage: The Complete Protect Plan also includes 24/7 professional monitoring and secure cloud storage for your video footage, giving you peace of mind and valuable evidence in case of theft.

Don't Just Take Our Word for It - Hear from Satisfied Customers!

"Best customer service ever!! I know that my package deliveries will always be safe with this camera. I can see who comes and goes and feel safe knowing I get a notification every time someone enters my porch." - Carolyn, Amazon Verified Purchase
"Exactly what I wanted... I put it really low on the door so that the cats trigger it. It's working great!" - Velari, Amazon Verified Purchase
"Camera is great... When it's dark, if someone comes to the front porch, you are able to see their face clearly. This is a very good product to buy." - TD, Amazon Verified Purchase
"Its amazing! GREAT QUALITY... This camera will help me see my packages being delivered since I'm not always aware of when it is." - Lydiatrujillo, Amazon Verified Purchase
"This is perfect for slow internet speeds... We have a lot of deliveries and wild animals that we catch coming and going. We also have spotted strangers walking up to our door... Imagine our surprise when the notification came through!" - Victoria, Amazon Verified Purchase

Remember: Package theft is a crime, and while Kangaroo can help mitigate the impact, it's crucial to report any incidents to the relevant authorities and take proactive steps to protect your deliveries. By combining smart security solutions like Kangaroo with the tips mentioned above, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of porch piracy.

FAQs

Stolen Packages

The responsibility can vary depending on the circumstances. Generally, the shipping company is responsible for the package until it's delivered. However, if the package was marked as delivered and then stolen, it can become more complex. In such cases, contacting the seller, the shipping company, and your credit card company is crucial.
It depends on the seller's or retailer's policies and the shipping company's terms and conditions. Many online retailers offer refunds or replacements for stolen packages, especially if you provide evidence of the theft. Some shipping companies may also offer compensation for lost or stolen packages.
While the police may not actively investigate every stolen package case, filing a report is important. It creates an official record of the incident, which may be required for insurance claims or further action. It also helps law enforcement track patterns of package theft in your area.
If your security camera captures the theft (porch pirate) save the footage and provide it to the police. This evidence can significantly increase the chances of identifying and apprehending the thief.
Some home security systems, like Kangaroo Home Security, offer package theft reimbursement as part of their subscription plans. Check with your provider to see if this coverage is available.
If your Amazon package is stolen, report it to Amazon immediately through their "Track Package" page or by contacting customer service. They will typically investigate the issue and offer a refund or replacement if the package was marked as delivered but stolen.
If your USPS package is stolen from your mailbox, it is considered a federal crime. Report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service immediately. They will investigate the theft and take appropriate action. You can also file a missing mail search request with USPS.
While community mailboxes offer convenience, they can also be targets for thieves. It's important to collect your mail promptly and report any suspicious activity or signs of tampering to the USPS. Consider using a locked mailbox or opting for package delivery and. inform your sender to a secure location if you're concerned about theft from community mailboxes.