Porch pirates are ready for the holidays. Are you?

'Tis the season for porch pirates.

They are quick and relentless and stealthy and bold and they certainly don't care about you getting the package that's rightfully yours.

As Christmas approaches and more and more people have packages delivered to themselves and loved ones, porch pirates have gone into overdrive.

It's bonanza season.

"Porch pirates are well-prepared for the holiday season, often stealing packages the moment they're delivered to your doorstep," said Dan O'Toole, CEO of Indianapolis-based Arrive AI.

Arrive AI already has commercial solutions that help stop porch pirates.

And the company is working on residential solutions that include a big secure mailbox for delivered packages with app-based alerts using artificial intelligence.

Most people think they are simply at the mercy of porch pirates.

You order something online, it gets delivered when it gets delivered and you take your chances.

But there are ways to protect yourself and your package.

1. Install cameras

While this technically doesn't stop porch pirates, having a security camera aimed at your porch and front door will help deter thieves.

It also means you'll have video footage to supply the police if you are robbed.

2. Work with your neighbours

Ask neighbours that are home when you aren't to grab packages from your porch as soon as they are delivered and hold onto them until you can collect them.

3. Schedule deliveries

If possible, schedule deliveries for when you will be at home so you can avoid the whole leave-it-on-the-porch scenario.

4. Use alternate delivery locations

Have the package delivered to a family member, friend or your workplace so that someone is there to receive the package.

If packages are snached from your porch, you should notify all parties involved in the delivery, including the store and courier or delivery company.

Also, report theft to the police and give your neighbours the heads up.

A September 2024 survey by Security.org estimates 44 million packages had been stolen in the US in the three months prior.

Over a year, that can work out to $8 billion worth of merchandise swiped from porches.

The survey also found that 18% of people don't do anything to prevent porch pirating and 12% don't report it if they have a package stolen.

_{Thumbnail photos by Oxana Melis and Erik Mclean on Unsplash}