Holiday Theft Prevention: 7 Tips to Keep Your Packages Protected

December 5, 2025

Online shopping is a great way to avoid icy roads and overpacked stores, but it does come with a few drawbacks. Thieves are well aware of the increase in delivered packages this time of year, and are especially attentive to valuable holiday gifts left unattended on your porch. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to prevent package theft and keep your deliveries safe. We’re here to help protect you, your home, and your deliveries this holiday season. Below are 7 ways homeowners can prevent porch pirates from stealing both expected and unexpected packages.

1) set up Delivery Alerts & Schedule Delivery Time

Setting all of your deliveries up with text alerts means you’ll always know exactly when your packages arrive. Most carriers also let you choose a delivery window, allowing you to schedule items to arrive only when you’re home.

By knowing when a package is scheduled to arrive, you can be home to bring it inside, which prevents it from sitting on your porch. The less time your deliveries spend outside, the fewer opportunities thieves have to take them.

2) Display Signage

Signage is important because it can deter potential thieves or intruders by signaling that you actively monitor your home. It also prevents confusion by clearly indicating where delivery carriers should leave packages, ensuring they’re in a secure spot.

For added protection, consider using a lockable storage box on your front porch. Your carrier can place packages inside, preventing theft by keeping them secure in a compartment only you can unlock.

Contact us to get your Per Mar signage, showing your visitors that your home is Per Mar protected and enhancing overall theft prevention.

3) Sign for Your Delivery

Requiring a signature upon delivery prevents your packages from being left unattended.

If you’re not available to sign for delivery, you can pick up your packages at one of your carrier’s secure locations. Many retail stores also offer in-store delivery, which can even save you money on shipping.

4) Deliver to Your Office

You can send your packages to your place of business. This ensures that someone receives them immediately and prevents the package from being vulnerable to theft.

Be sure to check with your employer on personal delivery policies beforehand.

5) Request Incognito Packaging

If you are ordering a high-ticket item, consider requesting discreet packaging to conceal your purchase. This prevents thieves from spotting valuable items like TVs and gaming consoles, which are often targeted for resale. Availability for incognito packaging varies by retailer, but many major online stores offer this option at no additional cost.

Pro Tip: Conceal your post-holiday trash well so thieves also can’t see what new, shiny things you have in your home.

6) Use an Amazon Locker & Key App

If you’re doing your online shopping through Amazon, you can use their contactless and free Amazon Lockers option. Amazon sends you your access passcode, which prevents packages from being left at your door.

You can also use the Amazon Key app, which connects to your smart home and allows you to remotely let delivery drivers place packages inside your home, or garage. Pair it with your motion-activated home video camera or doorbell camera to receive instant notifications when delivery carriers arrive.

7) install Home Security

While the tips above are great security practices, the best way to ensure 24/7 protection is having a home security system. Our security camera system can be easily integrated with a home burglar alarm with alarm monitoring to give you ultimate peace of mind, all day, everyday.

Your home security system, combines with smart home automation features, helps prevent theft and protects not only your holiday packages, but also you and your family. We hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season!

Please contact us for more information or for a free home security quote.