The Growing Problem of Holiday Package Theft

Package theft has become one of the most pressing seasonal security concerns facing American households. According to Security.org's 2025 Package Theft Report, One in four Americans (or 64 million people) has had a package stolen at some point, and 9 million adults have had a package stolen in just the last three months. Package thieves stole $8.2 billion worth of online orders over the past year, with each stolen package worth about $222 on average.

The convenience of online shopping has created new opportunities for criminals who follow delivery trucks through neighborhoods, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The financial impact extends beyond the stolen merchandise itself. Victims often face the hassle of filing police reports, dealing with retailer claims processes, and experiencing delays in receiving replacement items during the busiest shopping season of the year. For businesses, package theft can damage customer relationships and increase operational costs associated with reshipping orders.

Understanding Seasonal Security Vulnerabilities

Increased Delivery Activity

The surge in package deliveries during November and December creates multiple security challenges. Delivery drivers working extended hours may leave packages in less secure locations. The sheer volume of deliveries means boxes often sit unattended for hours before homeowners return from work, creating obvious signals that no one is home.

Travel and Extended Absences

Many families travel during the holidays, leaving homes unoccupied for extended periods. An empty house displays telltale signs: accumulating mail, no vehicle in the driveway, unchanged lighting patterns, and uncleared snow or fallen leaves. These indicators provide criminals with low-risk opportunities for break-ins.

Social Media Oversharing

Posting vacation photos and check-ins in real-time has become second nature for many people, but this practice broadcasts your absence to potential thieves. Even seemingly innocent posts about holiday travel plans can alert criminals that your property will be vacant.

Increased Cash and Valuables

Households typically contain more valuable items during the holidays, including gifts waiting to be wrapped, extra cash for shopping, and new electronics. Businesses experience similar vulnerabilities with increased inventory and cash on hand during the retail rush.

Comprehensive Holiday Package Theft Prevention Strategies

Doorbell Camera Benefits

Installing a doorbell camera offers multiple layers of protection for package deliveries. These devices provide real-time notifications when someone approaches your door, allowing you to monitor deliveries remotely through smartphone applications. The visible presence of a camera often deters potential thieves who prefer targets without surveillance.

When choosing a doorbell camera system, consider models with high-definition video quality, night vision capabilities, and weather-resistant construction suitable for North Carolina's variable winter conditions. Professional installation by Integrity Security ensures proper positioning for optimal coverage and reliable connectivity to your home network.

Delivery Management Solutions

1. Require Signature Confirmation: For high-value items, opt for delivery services requiring in-person signatures. While this necessitates being home or designating someone to receive packages, it eliminates the risk of unattended deliveries.

2. Redirect to Secure Locations: Many carriers offer options to redirect packages to retail locations, Amazon Hub Lockers, or secure pickup facilities where you can retrieve items at your convenience.

3. Install Package Delivery Boxes: Lockable parcel boxes mounted near your entrance provide secure storage for delivered items. These containers accommodate most package sizes while preventing theft.

4. Coordinate with Trusted Neighbors: Establish relationships with reliable neighbors who can retrieve your packages when you're away. Return the favor when they travel, creating a mutual security network.

5. Schedule Deliveries Strategically: When possible, arrange deliveries during times when someone will be home. Many retailers and carriers now offer flexible delivery windows to accommodate working schedules.

Enhanced Entrance Security

Packages left at front entrances are particularly vulnerable. Consider these improvements:

• Motion-Activated Lighting: Bright lights triggered by movement deter thieves who prefer operating under cover of darkness
• Smart Locks: Grant temporary access codes to trusted individuals who can bring packages inside
• Secondary Camera Coverage: Position additional security cameras to monitor side and rear entrances where thieves might relocate packages
• Visible Security Signage: Display yard signs and window decals indicating your property has monitoring systems

Read our blog post on security camera placement best practices. 

Vacation Home Security During Holiday Travel

Leaving your home for holiday travel requires special preparation to maintain security throughout your absence. A comprehensive vacation home security plan addresses multiple vulnerabilities simultaneously.

Before You Leave: Essential Preparations

Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Empty homes display obvious patterns that alert criminals to your absence. Combat these signals by:

1. Using programmable timers on interior lights to simulate normal activity patterns
2. Leaving a vehicle in the driveway if possible, or arranging for someone to park there occasionally
3. Maintaining regular yard care through neighbors or lawn services
4. Holding mail and newspaper deliveries or having someone collect them daily
5. Keeping window coverings in their normal positions rather than closing everything tightly

Secure All Access Points

Before departing, conduct a thorough security check:

• Verify all doors and windows lock properly
• Install dowels or security bars in sliding door tracks
• Secure basement windows and other less-obvious entry points
• Lock garage doors and disconnect automatic openers if gone for extended periods
• Remove spare keys from outdoor hiding spots where burglars commonly search

Read our blog post about securing your windows against break-ins. 

Leverage Smart Home Technology

Modern home automation transforms vacation home security by enabling remote monitoring and control. Smart security systems allow you to:

• Receive instant alerts if doors or windows open unexpectedly
• Monitor live camera feeds from anywhere with internet access
• Adjust thermostat settings to maintain appropriate temperatures while conserving energy
• Control lighting schedules remotely to adapt to changing circumstances
• Grant temporary access to trusted individuals without providing physical keys

Professional installation of integrated smart home systems through Integrity Security's residential services ensures reliable operation and proper configuration for your specific needs.

Guest Access Management During the Holidays

Holiday gatherings often involve providing access to houseguests, pet sitters, or maintenance personnel. Managing these temporary access needs without compromising security requires careful planning.

Smart Lock Advantages

Traditional key distribution creates security vulnerabilities that persist long after guests leave. Smart locks eliminate these concerns by offering:

• Unique Access Codes: Assign individual codes to different guests, allowing you to track who enters and when
• Time-Limited Access: Program codes to work only during specific date ranges, automatically expiring when no longer needed
• Remote Code Changes: Generate new codes instantly from your smartphone without returning home
• Activity Logs: Review detailed records of all lock activity to verify expected access patterns

Setting Clear Security Expectations

When hosting guests or employing house sitters during holiday travel, establish clear security protocols:

1. Demonstrate how to properly arm and disarm alarm systems
2. Explain camera locations to respect privacy while maintaining security
3. Provide emergency contact information for security monitoring services
4. Specify procedures for answering the door or accepting deliveries
5. Request that guests avoid posting about your absence on social media

Business Security During the Holiday Season

Commercial properties face unique holiday security challenges. Retailers experience increased foot traffic, longer operating hours, and higher inventory values, while office buildings may sit vacant during extended holiday closures.

Retail Security Enhancements

The holiday shopping rush creates multiple security vulnerabilities for retail businesses:

Loss Prevention Strategies

• Position security cameras to monitor high-value merchandise displays and checkout areas
• Increase visible security presence during peak shopping hours
• Implement access control systems for stockrooms and offices
• Schedule regular inventory counts to identify shrinkage quickly
• Train staff to recognize suspicious behavior and shoplifting techniques

After-Hours Protection

Extended shopping hours mean businesses close later, often after dark when criminal activity increases. Enhanced lighting in parking areas, visible security camera placement, and alarm systems provide essential protection when staff members are leaving and arriving during vulnerable hours.

Office Building Security

Businesses closing for extended holiday periods should implement these protective measures:

1. Conduct comprehensive building security audits before closure
2. Ensure all alarm systems function properly with updated emergency contacts
3. Arrange for regular property checks by security personnel or management
4. Secure valuable equipment and confidential documents
5. Notify local law enforcement of extended closures for increased patrol attention

For comprehensive commercial security solutions tailored to your business needs, professional assessment and installation ensure optimal protection throughout the holiday season.

Advanced Security Camera Strategies

Strategic security camera placement maximizes protection while optimizing system performance. Consider coverage for these critical areas:

Front Entrance Monitoring

Primary entrance cameras should capture clear facial images of anyone approaching your door. Position cameras at approximately eye level, angled downward to prevent sunlight glare while maintaining detailed identification capability.

Package Drop Zones

Dedicated camera coverage of typical package delivery locations provides comprehensive protection. Ensure cameras cover alternative drop-off spots delivery drivers might use, including side doors and garage areas.

Vehicle and Driveway Coverage

Monitor vehicles and driveways to detect suspicious activity before it reaches your entrances. Wide-angle cameras positioned to capture license plates provide valuable evidence for law enforcement.

Perimeter Surveillance

Motion-activated cameras around your property's perimeter create multiple detection layers. Strategic positioning catches criminals attempting to approach from unexpected directions or scout properties before targeting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I notice a package theft in progress?

Never confront package thieves directly, as this creates personal safety risks. Instead, contact local law enforcement immediately and provide any available information, including descriptions, vehicle details, and security camera footage. Document the theft through your doorbell camera or security system for evidence.

How long should I keep holiday lighting on for security purposes?

Maintain your normal holiday lighting schedule even when traveling. Using timers, program lights to illuminate during evening hours when you would typically be home, generally from dusk until 10 or 11 PM. Excessive lighting that burns all night can actually signal absence rather than occupancy.

Are wireless security cameras reliable during winter weather?

Quality wireless cameras designed for outdoor use perform reliably in winter conditions. However, extreme cold can affect battery performance in battery-powered models. Professionally installed systems with proper power supplies maintain consistent operation regardless of temperature.

Can I integrate my existing security system with new smart home devices?

Many modern security systems offer integration capabilities with various smart home platforms. A professional security assessment can determine compatibility and recommend upgrade paths that preserve your existing investment while adding desired functionality.

What's the most important security upgrade for package theft prevention?

While comprehensive security involves multiple layers, a doorbell camera provides the most immediate and cost-effective protection against package theft. The combination of real-time alerts, video recording, and visible deterrence addresses the primary vulnerabilities associated with unattended deliveries.

Taking Action Before the Holiday Rush

Don't wait until you've experienced a security incident to prioritize protection. Upgrade your security before the holiday rush by contacting Integrity Security for a free consultation. Our experienced team serves homeowners and businesses throughout the North Carolina foothills and piedmont regions, including North Wilkesboro, Statesville, Mooresville, and surrounding communities.