Summary
A report shows that certain states in the U.S. are more at risk for package thefts, known as "porch piracy," during the holiday season. Alabama leads with the highest increase in thefts, followed by California and New York. Security experts recommend solutions like in-store pickups and enhanced visibility to prevent theft.
Key Facts
- Alabama experiences the highest rise in package thefts before Christmas, with a 12.5% increase.
- California and New York also see significant spikes in thefts, with increases of 8.8% and 8.4% respectively.
- Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Virginia, Texas, and Rhode Island are also in the top 10 for theft risk.
- An estimated 37 million packages are expected to be stolen across the U.S. as Christmas nears.
- The average number of parcels delivered per household is highest during the holiday season.
- "Porch pirates" prefer stealing packages where the risk of being seen is low.
- Security improvements such as cameras, lighting, and neighborhood visibility can help deter theft.
- Vermont is noted as the safest state during the holiday season with a significant decrease in thefts.
