Shielding Doorsteps: AARP Pennsylvania Urges Simple Moves to Cut Holiday Package Thefts

Why AARP Pennsylvania is raising the alert and what it means for residents

AARP Pennsylvania is warning shoppers to be extra careful this holiday season as online deliveries build up on porches and entryways. The group says thieves are taking advantage of predictable drop-offs, leaving older adults and busy households particularly exposed. The real-world effect is simple: packages left in plain view are more likely to go missing, and replacing goods or dealing with delivery disputes adds time and stress during an already busy period.

AARP stops short of sounding an alarm, but its regional team points to a steady rise in reports from residents and local law enforcement. For some people the loss is small and quickly resolved; for others it can be upsetting or costly. The guidance AARP Pennsylvania shares focuses on lowering the odds through small, practical changes rather than expensive upgrades.

How and why porch thefts tend to rise around the holidays

Online shopping and compact delivery routes make holiday packages a common sight at many homes. Carriers deliver many similar parcels to the same neighborhoods, and thieves learn those patterns. Short delivery windows, homeowners away at work or running errands, and items left where passersby can see them all create temptation.

Housing type and weather matter too. Homes without fenced yards or covered porches are easier targets, and apartment buildings with shared lobbies can see packages pile up in common areas. Crime patterns shift with the season: opportunistic thieves respond to higher volume, and reports often climb simply because people notice missing gifts more during holiday weeks.

AARP Pennsylvania’s guidance: small changes intended to reduce risk

AARP Pennsylvania lays out straightforward steps it says can reduce the chance a package will vanish. The group recommends asking carriers for a signature on higher-value items or requesting that deliveries be left in a less visible spot on the property. It notes that adding delivery instructions to an order can steer drivers to safer drop points.

Pick-up options get special mention. Where available, asking a carrier to hold a shipment at a local facility for later collection, or choosing in-store pickup, can avoid unattended drops. AARP also highlights neighbor networks: arranging for a trusted neighbor to accept a parcel is a low-cost option many people use.

On technology, AARP points to tracking updates and delivery alerts so residents know when a package has arrived. Camera-equipped doorbells and motion sensors are described as tools people commonly use to deter thieves and to document thefts when they happen. The broad message: a few routine choices can lower exposure without big expense.

Everyday measures people are using now to protect deliveries

Residents report adopting simple habits that make packages less likely to be taken. Common steps include scheduling deliveries for times someone is home or choosing delivery to a workplace or secure locker when those options exist. Some people move a parcel to a less visible spot — under a porch table or behind planters — to keep it out of direct sight.

Short-term solutions such as asking neighbors to collect items or signing up for delivery alerts so someone can pick up a package quickly are widespread. In multi-unit buildings, accepting deliveries in a mailroom or using designated package rooms has become more common. These are low-cost, practical moves aimed at reducing temptation.

How neighborhoods and local groups are pitching in

Community responses in Pennsylvania range from informal to organized. Block chats and local social groups often share delivery updates and photos of suspicious activity. Some neighborhoods coordinate volunteers to watch for deliveries during busy hours or to accept parcels for neighbors who are out.

Local businesses, libraries and building managers sometimes provide safe pickup points or set aside storage for small packages. Police say these tactics won’t stop every theft, but they can make thefts easier to detect and less rewarding for would-be thieves.

Where to report thefts and what help is available

AARP Pennsylvania urges people to document losses and report them through the usual channels: the delivery company, the seller, and local police. Many carriers offer online claim forms and insurance options for missing items, and retailers may provide refunds or replacements depending on their policies.

The group also points to local AARP chapters and community programs as sources of information and local trends. Reporting incidents helps authorities identify patterns and supports community prevention efforts.

Sources

• prnewswire.com