Package theft

Not to be confused with Package pilferage.
Several packages left unattended on a porch, a typical target for package thieves

Package theft or cargo theft is the theft of a package or parcel. It can occur anywhere in the distribution channel.

One major type of package theft is porch piracy, which has been defined as, "Taking possession of a package or its contents, outside of a residence or business, where it has been commercially delivered or has been left for commercial pickup, with intent to deprive the rightful owner of the contents or even try to sell the contents.[1]

According to reports, porch piracy is widely regarded as a difficult crime to resolve, with a mere 10% of cases resulting in an arrest by the police. A significant number of these incidents remain unsolved. [2]

  1. ^ Hicks, M.; Stickle, B; Harms, J (2021). "Assessing the Fear of Package Theft". American Journal of Criminal Justice. 47: 3–22. doi:10.1007/s12103-020-09600-x. S2CID 230284948.
  2. ^ "Package Theft and Porch Pirates – The Facts and Causes". Kingsley Park. Retrieved August 21, 2023.