How to Prevent Package Theft This Holiday Season

The 2026 holiday shopping season is approaching, and U.S. retailers are expected to see continued growth despite consumers’ focus on value. Deloitte forecasts that holiday retail sales will rise 4.0% to 4.8% year over year, reaching $1.70 trillion to $1.71 trillion between November 2026 and January 2027.¹ Recent survey data indicate that 71% of shoppers ordered holiday gifts online for delivery, highlighting the continued importance of residential package delivery during the holiday season.²

The holidays are already a busy time for apartment communities, where package deliveries can increase by as much as 81% per week throughout the peak period.³ But more online shopping also means more holiday packages, which means more opportunities for package thieves to steal packages full of residents’ holiday purchases before they’re ever gift-wrapped. Even with a video doorbell or home security camera, a package left unattended on a resident’s doorstep is an easy target for a porch pirate.

Let’s look at how multifamily community managers and residents can help prevent package theft during the holiday season.

Key Takeaways

• Holiday package deliveries are at increased risk in apartment communities, where residents are nearly 3 times as likely to experience package theft
• Cameras may deter thieves, but smart lockers fully secure packages while offering 24/7 on-demand pickup for residents
• Residents report feeling safer in communities with smart lockers and prefer them to other pickup methods like leasing office collection or third-party delivery services

Package Theft is a Major Issue – Especially Around the Holidays

Package theft is a massive (and costly) issue all across the country. Recent Capital One Shopping research estimates that more than 30% of Americans had a package stolen in the past year; of stolen packages, 39% were valued at more than $100. Further, apartment residents were reported to be three times as likely to be vulnerable to package theft as people living in single-family houses.⁴

It should come as no surprise, then, that resident package theft worries peak during the holiday season. With residents in and out of their homes more often for various seasonal engagements, any package left in plain sight on a front porch or in a hallway by a delivery service is ripe for porch piracy. Nearly half of consumers (48%) are concerned about having holiday packages stolen. To reduce the risk, 64% plan to track delivery notifications, and 51% plan to schedule deliveries for times when someone is home.⁵

Here are our top holiday package theft prevention tips and tricks to keep your residents from having to file a police report over a stolen package (or packages).

Your Community’s Best Package Theft Prevention Tool: Smart Lockers

To prevent parcel theft, some properties accept resident packages at the leasing office or through a staff-managed package room. While this strategy prevents theft, it often creates friction for both residents and property staff. The pressure on these approaches keeps growing: U.S. parcel volume reached 23.9 billion shipments in 2025, and projections show volumes reaching 26.8 billion by 2028.⁶ With online orders continuing to climb, properties without a dedicated package management solution are likely to struggle to keep up, especially during high-volume periods such as the holiday season.

If you’re looking for package theft solutions so your residents don’t become package theft victims, smart package lockers can help. Unlike video doorbell cameras or other home security systems, parcel lockers provide physical protection for resident packages – not just a an attempt to deter potential thieves that, in many cases, is not effective. Parcel lockers also provide 24/7, on-demand secure pickup, so residents don’t have to rearrange their schedules to get to the leasing office or wait for scheduled delivery services.

Residents value the fact that package lockers keep their packages safe and secure. A recent Vivint survey reported that 84% of residents who have access to a smart locker system believe it reduces theft, and a recent National Business Research Institute (NBRI) survey revealed that residents who have used lockers before prefer smart lockers as their primary package retrieval method, outranking direct-to-door delivery, leasing office pick-up, or scheduled delivery.^7,8 By offering parcel lockers at your community, you can attract more prospects, increase renewal rates, boost the resident experience, and – most importantly – prevent package theft.

Parcel Pending by Quadient offers a wide range of smart package locker and package room solutions that ensure the simple and secure delivery of resident packages. Additional benefits of using our smart locker solutions include:

• MORE Operational Efficiency: Automate the package delivery and collection processes; with Parcel Pending PLUS’s Consolidated Box feature, residents can receive more than one delivery from the same delivery service in one locker
• MORE Package Security: Our lockers’ robust steel design ensures every package delivery is kept safe, removing liabilities for stolen packages; residents receive a delivery notification with a one-time PIN or unique barcode to access their package
• MORE Use Cases: Grant one-time delivery access to lockers for non-residents, such as maintenance personnel, pet walkers, or self-guided tours; utilize dedicated zoning for community management tasks
• MORE Insights: Get real-time insights and alerts on package locker performance with our Business Intelligence tools and online analytics portal; survey residents about their experience directly from the package locker kiosk after delivery pick-up
• MORE Customization: Our flexible API allows for seamless integration with most property management software solutions; customize your lockers’ color or wraps to match your property’s branding or location aesthetic

Other Holiday Package Theft Prevention Tips

While multifamily parcel lockers are the best way to prevent holiday package theft, there are several other strategies you can use or recommend to residents to help prevent package theft if you can’t implement a package locker solution right now.

• Sign up for delivery alerts: Encourage residents to sign up for delivery alerts via text or email, check the carrier’s tracking information so that they can track their package in real-time, and be ready to retrieve it upon delivery – before a package thief can get to it. USPS customers can also use Informed Delivery to manage upcoming deliveries from one dashboard.
• Choose signature delivery: Advise that residents request signature confirmation for high-value orders so that they can be sure to receive their package and avoid theft.
• Enlist a trusted neighbor to help: Recommend that residents ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for their package and retrieve it immediately upon delivery to prevent it from being left unattended.
• Reschedule delivery: If the resident knows they will not be home when their package is expected to arrive, suggest they contact the carrier and reschedule delivery for another date.

Are you a resident looking to reschedule or reroute a package delivery? We have all the information you need on how to reroute a package with the major carriers (e.g., Amazon, FedEx, USPS, and UPS).

Video Doorbell Cameras & Other Home Security Measures

Community managers can install or suggest that residents install a video doorbell security camera or other home security system to prevent package theft. This technology, while on the newer side, is relatively familiar to residents. According to SafeHome.org’s 2026 home-security research, 61% of U.S. households have at least one security camera, while 48% use a video doorbell.⁹ Posting security signs near entrances and mail areas adds another visible deterrent.

Out-of-Home Delivery Options

There are also a few options offered by retailers and carriers that residents can take advantage of to avoid package theft – both during the holiday season and year-round:

• Buy Online, Pick Up in Store (BOPIS) or curbside pickup are delivery options offered by retailers that can help residents avoid the threat of package theft incidents altogether. When making a purchase online, consumers simply select the nearest retail location and pick their items up from that store at their convenience. Curbside pickup allows consumers to collect orders without even leaving their car.
• Another easy way for residents to help prevent package theft is to request a package hold. This is when the local post office or delivery hub holds mail and packages while someone is out of town – perfect for residents who are away on holiday engagements. Encourage residents to sign up for this delivery option with USPS or other delivery services to ensure safe package delivery.

What to Do if a Holiday Package Is Stolen

Even with prevention measures in place, residents can still wind up with a stolen package. Share these steps with them so they can quickly recover their purchase, which matters when a gift has a deadline.

1. Confirm the Package Is Actually Missing

Have the resident check the tracking details and delivery photo (if the carrier took one). Then have them speak with neighbors, then visit the leasing office, and the property package room (if available). Packages left at the wrong door or building are common on high-volume holiday days.

2. Contact the Retailer

If the resident still cannot find their package, have them reach out to the retailer first. Most retailers will replace or refund a stolen order, and it’s usually the fastest fix for residents looking to replace a stolen package. Some retailers will issue replacements right away, while others, like Amazon, recommend waiting 36-48 hours after the expected delivery time before contacting support, since some packages marked “delivered” may arrive later than an email delivery confirmation.

3. File a Claim With the Carrier

If the retailer cannot provide a replacement, the resident can then try filing a claim with the shipping carrier for their purchase. Each carrier has its own rules for filing a claim:

• UPS: Residents can file a missing package claim within 60 hours of the scheduled delivery time.¹⁰
• FedEx: For U.S. packages, claims for damaged or missing contents must be filed within 60 calendar days of the shipment date; claims for undelivered or lost shipments must be filed within nine months. Residents should keep their tracking number and proof-of-value documentation, such as an invoice or receipt.¹¹
• USPS: Report the theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, then file a missing mail claim through USPS.¹²

4. File a Police Report

Regardless of whether residents can get a replacement item, they should report the theft to local law enforcement. A police report gives residents documentation to support retailer, carrier, and insurance claims. It also helps local law enforcement spot patterns if several units or buildings are hit. Remind residents to provide the tracking number, delivery time, and any doorbell or community camera footage as supporting evidence.

5. Check Credit Card Purchase Protection

If all else fails, the resident can check with their credit card about purchase protection policies. Many credit cards include purchase protection that covers theft for a set period after purchase. If the retailer and carrier won’t resolve the issue in full, a claim with the card issuer may cover the rest.¹³ Renters insurance is another option for high-value items, but the deductible often makes it worth it only for larger losses.

Additional Holiday Safety, Crime, and Theft Prevention Tips

Package theft isn’t the only way residents can fall victim to theft or crime during the holiday season. Here are a few other tips to share with residents to help them stay safe:

• Keep valuables and purchases out of sight: When you’re at the store or the mall, don’t keep valuables or shopping bags full of holiday gifts in plain sight in your car. Rather, secure any such items in the trunk of your car. The same goes for when your car is parked in any publicly accessible parking lot.
• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area close to the store/mall: To prevent theft, ensure you park your car in well-lit, populated areas, ideally as close to your intended destination as possible.
• Don’t make yourself an easy target: To keep would-be thieves at bay, hide your wallet in your inside coat pocket and carry your purse close to your body.
• Monitor your bank account and credit card statements: This will ensure you know if your banking or other personal information has been compromised. If you lose your credit card or suspect fraudulent activity, contact your bank or card issuer right away to prevent your personal information from getting into the wrong hands.
• Protect yourself online: It’s more important than ever to protect your personal information while shopping online. Be sure to shop with established businesses and don’t follow links from stores you’ve never heard of before (especially if shared with you via email).
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice any suspicious activity in your community, report it to community security and/or local law enforcement immediately.

The holidays are just around the corner. Many properties already have a lot on their plates providing much-needed services for residents. Managing even more packages delivered could take up valuable time that could be better spent elsewhere.

Parcel Pending smart lockers can help make receiving residents’ special holiday deliveries safer and more secure without sacrificing convenience. Reach out to a member of our team today to find the best solution for your property’s needs and budget.

 

Sources:

1. Deloitte. Deloitte Forecasts Holiday Retail Sales to Reach $1.70 Trillion to $1.71 Trillion in 2026. deloitte.com. September 10, 2026. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/about/press-room/deloitte-forecasts-holiday-retail-sales.html
2. Epsilon. 2026 Holiday Strategy Playbook. epsilon.com. 2026. https://www.epsilon.com/files/epsilon-data-post-holiday-playbook-2026.pdf
3. National Multifamily Housing Council. Special Delivery: 2018 NHMC/Kingsley Package Delivery Report. www.nmhc.org. November 14, 2018. https://www.nmhc.org/news/press-release/special-delivery-2018-nmhckingsley-package-delivery-report/
4. Capital One Shopping. Package Theft Statistics: Number per Year, Costs & Trends. capitaloneshopping.com. June 10, 2026. https://capitaloneshopping.com/research/package-theft-statistics/
5. Nextdoor. 2026 Holiday Shopping Insights: A Retail Media Guide. business.nextdoor.com. August 31, 2026. https://business.nextdoor.com/en-us/blog/holiday-shopping-2026-neighbor-insights
6. ShipMatrix. Amazon delivered more parcels in 2025 than the Big 3. shipmatrix.com. March 16, 2026. https://shipmatrix.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SMx-Press-Release-on-2025-Parcel-Market-3.16.2026.pdf
7. Vivint. Porch Pirates in the Hallway: 1 in 4 Renters Suspect a Neighbor Took Their Package. www.vivint.com. n.d. https://www.vivint.com/resources/article/apartment-porch-pirate-report-2025
8. Parcel Pending by Quadient. Key Findings from Parcel Pending’s 2025 Resident Preferences Report. www.parcelpending.com. September 10, 2025. https://www.parcelpending.com/en-us/blog/key-findings-from-parcel-pendings-2025-resident-preferences-report/
9. SafeHome.org. Home Security Statistics 2026. safehome.org. October 24, 2025. https://www.safehome.org/data/home-security-statistics
10. UPS. File a UPS Claim. ups.com. https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/file-a-claim
11. FedEx. File a claim online. fedex.com. https://www.fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html
12. USPS. Find Missing Mail. usps.com. https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm
13. Experian. What is a Chargeback. experian.com https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-a-chargeback/