RALEIGH, N.C. (December 10, 2025) – Porch Pirates are a real problem in Horry County.

Having an item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee buyers will receive it. According to a Security.org study, Porch Pirates package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year. Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Carolinas (BBB) has tips consumers can use to discourage potential thieves this holiday season.

“Giving gifts can be just as fun as receiving them, so we want to help consumers avoid having porch pirates taking them,” Mallory Wojciechowski, BBB President and CEO, said. “Package theft is a crime of opportunity. We recommend shoppers have packages delivered to a place where they can be monitored or to have a friend or neighbor grab your delivery while you’re out of town.

Porch Pirates Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and is easily visible.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Porch Pirates

Don’t leave unattended packages. If you are expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you will be home. Ask your neighbors if they mind holding on to packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time. Some retailers (like Amazon, a BBB Accredited Business) offer “garage delivery” to avoid having packages sitting out in the open.
Ship to store or post office box. If purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages they have received. Some online retailers offer delivery to a pickup location or delivery locker within another store that has a physical location near you. Check your delivery options when ordering. If porch pirates are often in your area, consider renting a post office box to receive package deliveries; the cost may outweigh the headaches.
Customize your delivery. Add specific delivery notes when placing an order so drivers know where to leave packages. Use your delivery company’s app or website to redirect a package to another address or pickup point if you won’t be home. Reschedule delivery for a day or time when you’ll be available to accept the package.
Use a security camera. Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter Porch Pirates package theft, especially when highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is under surveillance. Set up your camera alerts so that you know exactly when the package is delivered. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of internet-connected devices and research before you purchase).
Require a signature. Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works well for those often at home, especially for expensive items, it may create difficulties in receiving packages if your schedule and the delivery service differ, so do your research. Be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
Opt-in to notifications. Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop. Opt-in to shipping-related emails. Set up your own notifications with your smartphone or app to remind you of the date and time of expected delivery.

For more information

Looking for more holiday tips? Check out BBB’s Holiday HQ.

About BBB of Eastern Carolinas

Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 48 counties in North and South Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from over 5,200 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit BBB.org.