Where Is My Package?

Good Morning.

The surge in online shopping has brought both convenience and a new challenge: package theft. Also known as "porch piracy," this growing problem has impacted consumers, retailers, and delivery services alike. In this issue, we’ll unpack why package theft remains so difficult to combat, explore the strategies in place to curb it, and examine what this trend means for the future of online shopping.

A Nuisance That Just Won't Go Away

The rise of online shopping brought with it the convenience of home delivery—but also a new form of petty crime. Package theft has become so prevalent that in December 2018, Google searches for the term "porch pirate" reached an all-time high. Since the pandemic began, this problem has only become more widespread, with more Americans buying everyday goods online and facing the risk of those goods disappearing before they can even bring them inside.

In fact, a New York Times report indicates that 1.7 million packages disappear daily in the U.S., translating to an astonishing $25 million in daily losses. These losses are not only monetary; they add an emotional toll for consumers who feel inconvenienced and disappointed. While many retailers offer refunds or replacements, this approach is unsustainable in the long run.

Why Isn’t More Being Done?

Consumers frequently wonder why retailers aren’t doing more to prevent package theft. The answer lies in a complex balance between customer experience, logistics, and cost. Here’s a look at what some leading retailers are doing to combat the issue:

• Amazon: As a major player, Amazon has felt the sting of package theft, with replacement costs as a necessary expense. In response, Amazon has invested heavily in security solutions like Ring doorbell cameras and has expanded its network of Amazon Lockers across the country. These initiatives help, but they don’t eliminate the issue entirely.

• Target: Taking a different approach, Target has increased options like curbside and in-store pickups, which are not only more secure but also less expensive to fulfill. While this solution reduces the risk of package theft, it requires customers to trade off some of the convenience of home delivery.

Who Pays the Price?

Retailers and consumers aren’t the only ones dealing with the fallout from package theft—shipping companies also bear the brunt of the blame. When a package goes missing, consumers often point fingers at delivery services for leaving parcels unattended.

However, shippers have few requirements when it comes to ensuring the security of packages once they leave a delivery truck. Ultimately, the cost of re-delivering stolen items or compensating consumers often falls back on retailers, who may, in turn, pass these costs along to customers in the form of higher prices.

What Can Be Done?

For now, the burden of preventing package theft often falls on the consumer. Many have taken matters into their own hands by installing security cameras, buying parcel lockboxes, or opting for secure pickup locations. New startups like Stowfly are also emerging, offering consumers the ability to have packages delivered to secure local businesses for a small fee.

While package theft is challenging to eliminate, several solutions can reduce its risk:

1. Secure Lockboxes and Porch Pirate Bags:
Lockboxes or durable porch bags offer a secure spot for deliveries, deterring opportunistic thieves.

2. Use Delivery Holding Services:
Many retailers and delivery companies provide secure locker or package-holding services for added safety. Though slightly less convenient, these solutions reduce theft risk significantly.

3. Require a Signature:
Selecting “signature required” at checkout ensures packages aren’t left unattended, though it might mean rescheduling delivery attempts if you’re unavailable.

4. Home Security Systems and Cameras:
Doorbell cameras and home security systems with motion detection are strong deterrents, alerting homeowners to any unusual activity in real time.

5. Workplace Delivery:
If possible, have packages sent to your workplace or to a trusted neighbor’s home to avoid leaving them unattended.

In the long term, addressing package theft might require rethinking the entire infrastructure of home delivery. Urban apartment buildings are increasingly offering secure package rooms as amenities, and future home designs could feature built-in secure storage for deliveries. But until then, the annoyance of package theft is likely to remain an unwelcome part of the online shopping experience.

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