Kentucky Among Worst States for Package Theft as Holiday Deliveries Surge
As the days get shorter and holiday shopping starts picking up, there's one thing homeowners need to keep an eye on. Their front porches! Package theft is a growing problem, and Kentucky has landed at the top of a national list of states most at risk for porch pirates.
According to a 2026 report from Security.org, an estimated 47.7 million Americans experienced package theft in the past year. The estimated value of those stolen packages? A whopping $7.7 billion.
And we're heading into the busiest delivery season of the year. Adults expect to receive an average of 28 packages between October and December. Nearly half of Americans say they worry more about package theft during the holidays.
Running a nonprofit means I'm constantly ordering things online, so this is something that's always on my radar. I know I'm not the only one who has watched a delivery notification pop up and immediately wondered how long that package might sit outside before someone can bring it in.
Unfortunately, Kentucky residents have even more reason to pay attention.
Kentucky Ranks No. 1 for Porch Pirate Risk
It turns out Kentucky isn't just known for bourbon and bluegrass! We're also getting some unwanted attention when it comes to package theft.
A 2025 analysis from The Action Network ranked Kentucky No. 1 in the nation for porch pirate risk. The study found that 12% of Kentucky residents surveyed had experienced a stolen package in the previous three months, the highest share of any state surveyed.
Researchers considered several factors, including recent package theft reports, online searches related to porch piracy, and residential theft data. The resulting ranking placed Kentucky ahead of California and Alaska.
That doesn't mean Kentucky has the highest total number of stolen packages. It means residents reported a higher likelihood of experiencing package theft based on the study's measurements. Either way, it's not exactly a ranking we want to be leading.
And with holiday deliveries about to ramp up, it's a good time to take a few precautions.
How to Keep Your Packages Safe This Holiday Season
If you're ordering online, a few simple steps can make a difference to keep your deliveries out of the wrong hands.
Track your deliveries – Most retailers and delivery companies offer tracking and delivery notifications. Keep an eye on those updates so you know when a package is expected to arrive. If you receive a delivery notification, try to bring it inside as soon as possible.
Request a signature – If you're ordering something expensive, consider requiring a signature at delivery. This can help prevent a valuable package from being left unattended on your porch.
Choose a secure delivery location – Some retailers offer delivery lockers, pickup locations, or in-store pickup. You might also consider having packages sent to your workplace or another location where someone can receive them.
Install a video doorbell or security camera – Cameras can help you monitor deliveries and may provide useful footage if something goes missing. Just remember, a camera won't stop someone from taking your package. It's still important to get deliveries inside quickly.
Ask a neighbor for help – If you know you won't be home, ask a trusted neighbor to grab your package when you're away.
Have packages delivered when you're home – If the retailer or shipping company allows you to select a delivery date, try to schedule arrivals for a time when someone will be there.
What Should You Do If Your Package Disappears?
Even when you're careful, things happen. If your tracking information says a package was delivered, but there's nothing on your porch, don't assume it was stolen just yet.
First, check around your home. Sometimes drivers leave packages at a side door, garage, or another spot out of sight. Check with family members and neighbors, too.
If you still can't find it, contact the retailer and the delivery company. Have your tracking number and order information handy. If you believe someone stole your package, consider filing a report with local law enforcement.
According to Security.org, fewer than one in four recent package theft victims reported the incident to police. Reporting a theft can help law enforcement identify patterns and determine whether multiple incidents are happening in the same neighborhood.
If you have a doorbell camera or other security footage, save it. It could be helpful when reporting the incident.
Protect Your Packages
Package theft is frustrating any time of year, but especially during the holidays. Those deliveries might be Christmas presents, things you've ordered for your family, or items you need for the season.
With nearly 48 million Americans estimated to have experienced package theft in the past year and Kentucky topping one recent state risk ranking, it's worth being a little more mindful about those deliveries.
I'm certainly going to be watching my delivery notifications a little more closely. A few extra precautions could save you the headache of having something you've been waiting for disappear right off your front porch!
SOURCES: Security.org 2026 Package Theft Report / The Action Network 2025 Porch Pirate Rankings
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