How to prevent porch pirates from stealing your parcels

May 29 2025

Porch pirates are opportunistic thieves who target parcels left unattended on doorsteps or porches. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of package theft by taking a few simple precautions. Come with us as we explore the most effective ways to prevent porch pirates from stealing your valuable deliveries.

For a top-of-the-line home security system, talk to the experts at ADT. We’ll monitor your home 24/7/365 and alert you immediately in the event of suspicious activity.

The best ways to keep your parcels safe

Install a video doorbell

Equipping your home with a video doorbell allows you to see, hear, talk to and record whoever’s at your door – wherever you are when they arrive. With an ADT Wireless Video Doorbell, you also receive a notification on your smartphone when someone, whether a visitor or potential intruder, approaches your property.

Ultimately, video doorbells are a porch pirate’s worst nightmare. Not only will you be alerted to their presence, but the recorded footage can also be used to identify the burglar.

Use CCTV or Wi-Fi camera systems

CCTV is an excellent natural deterrent for porch pirates. Plus, crystal-clear footage of your property allows you to keep an eye on parcels – all from your smartphone.

Our Outdoor Wi-Fi Security Camera features motion detectors and smart video analytics. That means it can tell the difference between people, vehicles and animals in its field of view, so you’ll only get a notification when you want one. When triggered, Perimeter Guard hardware emits a loud whistle and shows a flashing red light to draw attention and let intruders know they have been recorded.

Track your delivery

Whether you’re on your way home from work or going out with friends, tracking the status of your parcel is usually quick and easy. Stay on top of your delivery time, and as long as you aren’t too far away from home, you’ll be able to make sure you’re in at the right moment.

Typically, when you place an order, you’ll receive a tracking code via email from the courier service. This lets you monitor your parcel's journey, check the estimated delivery date and time, and explore available delivery options.

Change your drop-off location

Changing your drop-off location is an easy way to keep your parcel safe. If you’re not home during delivery, you can simply add alternative drop-off instructions. Depending on the courier, you can designate a safe place for the delivery driver to leave your parcel, such as an outbuilding, shed, or garage. You can also often leave a note with specific instructions when you get an email confirmation that the parcel is on its way.

Ask a neighbour for help

To avoid your parcel being left unattended on your doorstep, why not ask a neighbour to collect it for you? If you’re regularly out of the house when your packages arrive, getting friendly with a helpful neighbour might really pay off.

Send to your work address

Another way to protect your packages is by changing the delivery address to your workplace. This ensures that someone is available to collect them during business hours, reducing the chances of theft. It also adds an extra layer of security, knowing your parcels are in a safe environment until you're ready to pick them up.

What not to do when dealing with porch pirates

Don’t set booby-traps: Popular YouTube videos show content creators ambushing porch pirates with glitter bombs. These, and more unsavoury booby-traps, could put you in the bad books of criminals who know where you live.
Don’t antagonise them: You might want to talk to a porch pirate via two-way audio cameras or your video doorbell, but we recommend you make your presence clear without accusing them or saying anything inflammatory. Again, they have your address!

Upgrade your home security to keep your valuable parcels safe and secure from porch pirates. At ADT, we provide a range of advanced, smart home-security solutions tailored to your needs. Get in touch with one of our security specialists for a free quote.