Smart Ways Texans Can Protect Themselves from Porch Pirates

Tis the season for porch pirates in Texas. And if you’re like me and doing most of your holiday shopping online, you already know the anxiety of wondering whether your packages will still be on your doorstep when you get home. I shop online constantly and because I’m usually at work during the day, that porch pirate fear is very real.

Thankfully, I’ve never had a package stolen. Mostly because someone is always home to grab my deliveries before they turn into porch pirate bait. But the worry never really goes away, especially during the holidays when Texas porches start filling up with gift boxes, gadgets, and all the good stuff thieves love.

How Texans Can Protect Their Holiday Packages From Porch Pirates

Porch piracy is already a year-round headache, but during the holidays? It becomes a full-blown sport for thieves, especially in big shipping states like Texas. A new CNET survey shows just how common porch piracy has become:

1 in 7 adults had a package stolen in the past year, and 30% either experienced it or know someone who did. With the average American expecting nearly $300 worth of deliveries this holiday season, that’s a whole lot of risk sitting on our doorsteps.

So if you’re looking to keep your holiday gifts your holiday gifts, CNET says these are the easiest and smartest ways Texans can protect their packages this season.

Track Your Packages Like a Pro

This is your first line of defense. Sign up for text or email alerts so you know the moment a package hits your porch. A lot of Texans will even coordinate with a neighbor to grab packages while they’re out, a system that works especially well in neighborhoods where everyone already knows everyone.

And yes, porch pirates use tracking too, so act fast when you get those delivery alerts!

Use a Video Doorbell

Texas homes LOVE a good video doorbell. Nest, Ring, Blink- whatever you choose, they’re surprisingly effective for one reason: porch pirates hate being recorded.

Many doorbells now send an alert when a person approaches or when a package disappears. Best of all, you can talk back through the speaker if someone suspicious steps onto your porch. A little “Can I help you?” goes a long way.

Try a Delivery Box

If your porch is package-heavy during the holidays, a secured delivery box can be a game changer. These sturdy boxes sit on your porch and keep packages locked away until you get home. They’re especially great for smaller electronics and gifts, you know, the kind porch pirates sprint for.

Consider In-Garage Delivery Options

Amazon Key and certain smart garage systems allow delivery drivers to place packages safely inside your garage. No codes required, no access past the door, just a safe way to protect your deliveries when you’re not home. If you have a smart garage door, this is one of the most secure options available.

Ship Expensive Items to a Safer Address

If you’re ordering something pricey, a laptop, a console, jewelry- don’t risk it on your porch. Ship it to:

• A shipping store
• An Amazon locker
• A UPS store
• Your workplace (if allowed)

Anything beats leaving a $500 gift outside like a porch pirate appetizer.

What To Do If a Porch Pirate Strikes

Even with precautions, things happen. If a package is stolen:

• Don’t chase them- not worth it
• Save and download your camera footage
• File a police report (many Texas cities offer online forms)
• Report the theft to the retailer
• Submit a claim with the carrier
• Refunds and replacements take time, so start the paperwork early.

Holiday shopping is stressful enough without adding missing packages to the list. With a little planning- and maybe a little help from neighbors, tech, and common sense- Texans can keep their gifts safe and the porch pirates empty-handed.