How to Prevent Package Theft & Stop Porch Pirates in Their Tracks

Package theft is becoming a growing problem in the UK, with around 1 in 10 people reporting that their parcels were stolen in the last year. Package thieves, often known as porch pirates, take advantage of unattended deliveries. If you're looking for advice on how to prevent package theft, Tapo is here to help with simple steps and smart products to keep your parcels safe.

What is package theft?

Package theft refers to someone stealing a parcel after it has been delivered, whether from a front porch, building entrance, or in some cases, even directly from the back of a delivery vehicle.  While you can’t control what happens during transit, you can take effective steps to ensure your parcels are safe once they reach your home. Let’s walk through how to stop package theft before it happens.

How to prevent package theft at home

Preventing parcel theft doesn’t have to be complicated. From simple delivery choices to smart tech upgrades, here’s how to keep porch pirates at bay and your deliveries secure.

Choose tracked delivery where possible

Many online retailers offer tracked delivery, and it’s worth choosing whenever you can. It lets you follow your parcel’s journey and gives a clear idea of when it will arrive. That way, you can plan to be home or ask a neighbour to take it in if you're out. Most couriers also send a quick notification once your package has been delivered, making it easier to grab it quickly.

Choose a valid safe place

If you know you won’t be home during delivery, it’s a good idea to leave clear instructions for a safe place when placing your order. Try to avoid vague notes like “leave by the door,” as that still leaves your parcel visible and vulnerable. Instead, choose a more secure or hidden spot, such as:

• Behind a side gate or garden bin
• Inside a weatherproof storage box
• In a locked porch or garage (include an access code if needed)
• With a trusted neighbour

The more specific you are, the better. It helps couriers leave your parcel somewhere discreet and reduces the chances of it being spotted by passers-by.

Install a video doorbell

A video doorbell is one of the most effective ways to keep porch pirates at bay. These smart devices allow you to see and speak to delivery drivers in real time, even if you're not home, and they automatically record whenever motion is detected near your front door. That means if a parcel ever does go missing, you’ll have clear footage to share with the police or your delivery provider. Also, just the sight of a video doorbell is often enough to make thieves think twice as knowing they're being recorded is a strong deterrent.

At Tapo, we specialise in smart home security, and our video doorbells are designed to give you extra peace of mind. With features like crystal-clear 2K resolution, parcel detection, two-way talk, night vision, and motion alerts, you’ll always know what’s happening at your doorstep, no matter where you are.

Consider getting a parcel box

If you often miss deliveries or worry about parcels being left in plain sight, a parcel box could be a great solution. These secure, weatherproof containers are designed for couriers to drop packages into easily, while only you can open them using a key or access code. They help keep your deliveries hidden and protected, especially if you regularly order valuable or multiple items.

Consider having items delivered to a pick-up location

If you know you won’t be in, choosing a pick-up location is a handy and secure alternative to having parcels left at your door. Lots of UK retailers now offer delivery to:

• Locker banks in supermarkets or petrol stations
• Local corner shops and convenience stores
• Click-and-collect counters in high street shops

It’s a simple way to avoid the risk of missed deliveries or stolen parcels. You can collect your items at a time that suits you, knowing they’re being kept safe until you’re ready. Just keep in mind that many pick-up points will only hold your parcel for a limited time, usually between 48 hours to 7 days, before returning it to the sender. So it’s worth collecting your order as soon as you can.

Invest in home security cameras

Outdoor security cameras are another powerful way to prevent package theft. Much like video doorbells, simply having a visible camera can be enough to make someone think twice before approaching your home.

While video doorbells are ideal for monitoring your front door, outdoor security cameras offer broader coverage and an added layer of protection. You can position them to keep an eye on driveways, side entrances, back doors, or any other area where someone might try to steal a parcel. With this extra visibility, you are not just watching your doorstep, you are protecting your entire property.

At Tapo, we design our outdoor security cameras to help you stay one step ahead. With smart motion detection, parcel detection, resolutions ranging from full HD to 4K, night vision, and remote access through the Tapo app, you can keep an eye on your home at all times, whether you are there or away. 

What to do if your parcels get stolen

Even with the best efforts, things can still go wrong. If your parcel goes missing and you think it’s been stolen, here’s what to do next:

1. Check the delivery confirmation
First, double-check the tracking info. Has the courier marked it as delivered? Are there any delivery photos or notes? Sometimes parcels are left in unexpected places, so it’s worth checking around your property.

2. Contact the retailer
Get in touch with the retailer you bought from. Most big retailers are pretty good about this and will either send a replacement or offer a refund if you report the issue quickly.

3. Speak to the delivery company
If you used tracked or signed-for delivery, it’s worth following up with the courier too. They might be able to provide more details or start an investigation on their end.

4. Report it to the police
Parcel theft is a criminal offence, so it’s important to report it. If you have any footage from a video doorbell or security camera, include it in your report — it could help identify the thief and support the investigation.

Final thoughts: Take control of your deliveries

Package theft is frustrating, but it can be prevented. With a few simple changes and the right home security tools, you can stop porch pirates and keep your deliveries safe and sound.

If you’re looking for easy-to-use, reliable tech to protect your home, Tapo has you covered. Our range of security cameras and video doorbells are designed to help you stay one step ahead. Plus, we offer free UK shipping, local customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can shop with confidence.