Package Theft Prevention: Active Deterrence with AI

Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in December 2020 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

What Is Package Theft?

The holiday shopping season ushers in an online gift-purchasing blizzard of countless gifts delivered to the front doors and porches of homes across America. Unfortunately, this also invites many unwelcome visitors, or “porch pirates,” targeting residential neighborhoods, especially during peak delivery times.

According to a 2025 Package Theft Report, one in four Americans has had a package stolen at some point (that’s 64 million people!), and more than half of homes now have at least one security device to protect deliveries. Do you have an AI-enhanced security system with effective deterrence features?

How Do Deterrence Systems Stop Package Thieves?

Deterrence systems stop porch pirates before theft occurs by using advanced security cameras, video analytics, lights, sirens, and AI-powered verbal warnings to support live monitoring and real-time alerts. Unlike passive cameras that only record crimes, today’s security systems intervene when suspicious activity is detected. This is possible when you choose a system that includes:

Motion Detection

Security cameras activate recording only when movement is detected, ensuring all package deliveries and porch activity are captured. This technology triggers deterrence features the moment someone approaches your delivery area.

Virtual Tripwires

With Alarm.com, we create virtual boundaries around your porch, driveway, or package delivery zone. When these invisible lines are crossed, the system activates lights, sirens, and other deterrents, stopping thieves before they reach packages.

Video Analytics

This technology differentiates between humans, animals, and vehicles in real time, preventing false alerts from passing cars or neighborhood pets while ensuring real threats trigger deterrence systems.

Tailored AI Verbal Warnings

When compatible security cameras detect a person approaching your porch or package delivery area, the system:

1. Identifies specific details about the intruder, including clothing color, posture, and exact location on the property
2. If necessary, generates a verbal warning through the camera's speaker that references these specific details
3. Creates the impression of live monitoring by speaking directly to the intruder as if a person is watching in real-time
4. Warns that authorities will be called if the person doesn't leave the property immediately

Example AI Deterrence Response: “Attention: You in the red jacket approaching the front porch. You are being recorded. Leave the property immediately or authorities will be contacted."

This personalized verbal intervention is far more effective than generic warning sounds because it demonstrates active awareness of the intruder's presence and specific characteristics.

What Is Professional Video Monitoring?

Professional video monitoring connects your security cameras to General Security's Central Station Monitoring center, where trained operators evaluate suspicious activity and respond accordingly.

How Video Monitoring Protects Packages

When motion is detected near your front porch or package delivery area:

1. Instant Alert: The monitoring center receives immediate notification with live video feed access
2. Professional Assessment: Trained operators evaluate whether the activity is legitimate (delivery personnel) or suspicious (potential theft)
3. Multi-Level Response: Operators can activate visual deterrents (lights), audio deterrents (sirens), use two-way audio to speak with individuals, or dispatch local authorities
4. 24/7 Coverage: Professional monitoring provides constant protection even when you're away, asleep, or unable to respond to alerts

Our monitoring specialists maintain direct connections to local law enforcement and first responders, ensuring rapid response.

Additionally, you can use the Alarm.com mobile app to view live footage, activate deterrence features manually, or contact authorities directly from your smartphone.

What Is the Effect of Floodlight Cameras?

Our advanced floodlight cameras are a state-of-the-art outdoor video surveillance option equipped with active deterrence features:

Brighter Floodlights: Intense illumination lights large areas like driveways, yards, and porches at night, improving video detail while acting as a strong visual deterrent to potential package thieves.

Red and Blue Warning Lights: When motion is detected, red and blue warning lights activate, mimicking a law enforcement presence. This is often enough to send would-be thieves running before they reach packages.

Built-in Siren: A blaring siren activates when suspicious activity is detected, drawing attention to the intrusion and startling potential package thieves.

HD Video: High-definition video captures clear footage of approaching individuals, vehicles, and package deliveries, providing evidence in the event of theft and helping law enforcement identify suspects.

How Should I Position Security Cameras for Package Protection?

Floodlight Camera Placement

Mount floodlight cameras on walls or eaves overlooking primary package delivery areas, including front porches, side entrances, and driveways.

Front Door and Doorbell Cameras

Install doorbell cameras directly above or beside your front door, between eight and 10 feet from the ground. This height deters tampering while capturing clear facial footage of anyone approaching packages. The Alarm.com video doorbells feature a 150-degree vertical field of view specifically designed to monitor both visitors and ground-level package deliveries.

Clear Line of Sight

Avoid placing decorations, planters, furniture, tools, and other items near cameras or delivery areas. These obstructions create blind spots and prevent clear video footage of approaching individuals.

Can Active Deterrence Stop Other Property Crimes?

Yes. Our active deterrence technologies protect against all property crimes, not just package theft. In a recent real-world incident captured on video, individuals attempted to break into a vehicle on a protected property. When the security camera detected the suspicious activity:

• Red and blue flashing lights activated immediately
• The integrated siren blared
• The trespassers fled the scene within seconds

Watch that footage here. The attempted break-in was stopped before any theft occurred.

What Additional Steps Prevent Package Theft?

Prominently Display Security Signage

General Security provides stickers and yard signs stating "Premises Protected by General Security" or "Property Is Under 24-Hour Video Surveillance." Even if cameras aren't visible, these warnings will help deter intruders.

Include Delivery Instructions

Include instructions for the delivery service, such as: "Leave packages by the side door" or "Place deliveries on the back deck.” You can also request an authorized signature that requires delivery personnel to return until they receive a signature.

Package Lockboxes and Porch Pirate Bags

Consider swapping a mailbox for a U.S. Postal Service-approved lockbox. The lockbox features mail slots for mail and small packages, and one-time access codes for larger items.

Porch pirate bags are another option. These large, heavy-duty, reinforced sacks lock to your front door or mailbox and are weather- and cut-proof, securing your packages with personalized access codes to help thwart would-be thieves.

While the best defense is advanced security technology, these recommendations can help ensure packages aren't low-hanging fruit for theft.

Get Package Theft Protection Today

General Security delivers cutting-edge deterrence technologies that stop porch pirates before theft occurs. With 24/7 Central Station Monitoring, your property receives constant protection with direct connections to local law enforcement. Request a free quote from us today!