Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Fresno Claims Top 10 Spot in Nation's 'Porch Pirate' Theft Ranking
NANCY WEBSITE HEADSHOT 1
By Nancy Price, Multimedia Journalist
Published 3 years ago on
November 12, 2022

Share

The SafeWise security website is reporting that around 260 million packages disappeared from porches across America over the last 12 months, according to its latest survey of 1,000 Americans.

That’s 50 million more than were stolen the prior year, affecting eight out of every 10 Americans in the past 12 months alone, SafeWise said in its fifth annual Package Theft in America report.

SafeWise said an estimated $19.5 billion — yes, that’s billion with a B — of goods are pilfered annually.

And those thefts are occurring even at houses where homeowners have installed video cameras and other security systems.

Who’s No. 1?

Which cities are more vulnerable to porch pirates? Out of the top 10, four are in California. San Francisco tops the list, followed by Sacramento at No. 5, Los Angeles at No. 6, and yes, you guessed it, Fresno at No. 8.

Whereas California seemed cursed by porch pirates, Florida seems to be doing the best job of fending them off. Three of the top four cities nationally with the lowest rates of package thefts were in Florida: Miami at No. 1, Tampa at No. 2, and Orlando at No. 4.

SafeWise said its analysis was computed using FBI larceny theft data that was compared to Google Trends data in areas with the highest number of searches for “missing package” and “stolen package.”

Protect Yourself

So now that the holidays approaching, and with the holidays come a big increase in package deliveries, what’s a consumer to do?

Here are some tips to make sure that Aunt Mildred’s homemade fruitcake isn’t swiped off your porch (although some people might say good riddance):

  • Opt in for mail delivery alerts.
  • Require package signatures for delivery.
  • Ensure proper lighting for your front porch and outside property.
  • Install a home security system that announces to passersby, including porch pirates, that they are being recorded.
  • Have your packages delivered to a mail delivery store or Amazon locker.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

UP NEXT

Sanger Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing Teen

Nancy Price,
Multimedia Journalist
Nancy Price is a multimedia journalist for GV Wire. A longtime reporter and editor who has worked for newspapers in California, Florida, Alaska, Illinois and Kansas, Nancy joined GV Wire in July 2019. She previously worked as an assistant metro editor for 13 years at The Fresno Bee. Nancy earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her hobbies include singing with the Fresno Master Chorale and volunteering with Fresno Filmworks. You can reach Nancy at 559-492-4087 or Send an Email

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids

14 hours ago

Trump Approval Steady at 42%, Support Weakens for His Immigration Policy, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

14 hours ago

Madera County Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Road Closures

A wildfire burning near Raymond Road and Avenue 16 in Madera County has prompted evacuation warnings and road closures, authorities said Mon...

13 hours ago

A wildfire near Raymond Road and Avenue 16 in Madera County has prompted evacuation warnings and road closures as officials urge residents to prepare to leave if threatened on Monday, June 16, 2025. (Madera County SO)
13 hours ago

Madera County Wildfire Prompts Evacuation Warnings, Road Closures

Sanger police are searching for Kaylani Thompson, 17, who went missing Saturday, June 14, 2025, after leaving her home and was last seen getting into a white sedan. (Sanger PD)
13 hours ago

Sanger Police Seek Public’s Help to Find Missing Teen

A view of the cityscape in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, in Tehran, Iran, June 16, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
13 hours ago

Trump Says Everyone Should Immediately Evacuate Tehran

14 hours ago

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids

President Donald Trump speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 12, 2025. (Reuters File)
14 hours ago

Trump Approval Steady at 42%, Support Weakens for His Immigration Policy, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds

A person was rescued from a Fresno canal Monday, June 16, 2025, near Dakota and Ninth Street, marking the third such incident in recent days, officials said. (Fresno FD)
15 hours ago

Person Rescued from Fresno Canal, Third Incident in Recent Days

15 hours ago

Arias Dodges Questions About His False Fresno ICE Raid Claim

16 hours ago

Iranian State TV Halts Live Broadcast After Israeli Strike

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend