The holiday season means a surge in online orders, and unfortunately, a corresponding uptick in package theft. In 2024, as many as 58 million packages were stolen nationwide, resulting in an estimated $12 billion to $16 billion in losses.
Apartment residents are especially vulnerable, experiencing theft at nearly twice the rate of single-family homeowners. For multifamily property managers, the rise in “porch piracy” is more than a seasonal headache: it’s a reputational and operational challenge that can directly affect resident trust and retention.
Below are five strategic, actionable tips designed to help property managers understand how to handle package theft more effectively this holiday season.
1. Define and Communicate a Strong Package Policy
One of the most effective, yet often overlooked, theft prevention strategies begins with clear communication. Property managers should establish well-defined package handling policies that guide both residents and carriers.
These policies should outline where deliveries can be made, how long packages may remain in shared spaces, and what procedures are followed if theft occurs. Incorporating this information into lease agreements, seasonal newsletters, or resident handbooks helps set clear expectations.
During peak delivery months, sending friendly reminders can also make a big difference. Encourage residents to use delivery options requiring signatures or to reroute high-value packages to alternative addresses or lockers. A proactive approach to policy and education empowers residents while reducing risk for the entire property.
2. Establish Delivery Protocols and Carrier Coordination
Coordinating with delivery carriers is another cornerstone of theft prevention. Without clear guidance, couriers may default to dropping packages in vulnerable spots such as outdoor entryways or unattended lobbies. Property managers should work with major carriers to designate secure delivery zones. Ideally these zones are well-lit, camera-monitored areas that are easily accessible to staff but off-limits to non-residents.
Requiring delivery photo confirmation or barcode scans can also help verify that items were left in the correct area. If possible, properties can schedule preferred delivery windows when staff are on-site to receive and store packages safely. The goal is to minimize time spent unattended and create a consistent, traceable delivery process across all carriers and buildings.
3. Deploy Surveillance and Lighting in Critical Areas
Cameras and lighting are essential to package protection as they serve as both deterrents and investigative tools. Installing the right equipment can significantly reduce theft incidents while improving resident confidence.
Best practices:
- Install wide-angle, motion-activated cameras near delivery points, locker areas, and entrances.
- Choose cameras with infrared or low-light capability to ensure visibility even during nighttime deliveries.
- Combine cameras with consistent, bright lighting in high-traffic areas and corridors to eliminate blind spots.
- Use camera alerts or real-time notifications connected to management dashboards for after-hours monitoring.
- Add signage (“Smile—you’re on camera”) to remind would-be thieves that they’re being watched.
A visible security presence sends a clear message that your property takes protection seriously and deters potential theft before it starts.
4. Implement High-Quality Secure Package Solutions
When prevention isn’t enough, the best defense is a secure delivery infrastructure. Smart package lockers, controlled-access package rooms, and hybrid systems can drastically reduce exposure to theft, but only if they’re well designed and properly supported.
What to look for in a secure package solution:
- Tamper-proof design with high-quality steel, reinforced doors and anti-pry mechanisms.
- Built-in surveillance integration that ties into your existing security systems.
- Comprehensive access logs to track who accessed each locker and when.
- Dedicated vendor support for theft claims, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Scalable options that can grow with your property’s delivery volume.
Questions to ask potential vendors:
- What is your lock failure rate and how is it addressed?
- Do you provide audit logs or forensic reports for theft investigations?
- How do you support theft claims with carriers or residents?
- What are your service-level agreements (SLAs) for repairs and uptime?
Smart package systems are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity for maintaining resident satisfaction and operational efficiency. Choosing a vendor with proven reliability and robust support is the best way to future-ready your property.
Download this Guide to Multifamily Package Management to find the solution that works best for your community.
5. Establish a Rapid Response and Communication Process
Even the best precautions can’t prevent every incident, which is why a clear response plan is essential. When a theft occurs, having an established protocol allows you to act quickly and professionally.
Encourage residents to report missing packages immediately, providing details such as tracking numbers, carrier confirmation, and delivery times. Once a report is received, management should document the incident thoroughly and collaborate with carriers, insurers, and locker vendors to investigate. Transparent communication is key: keep residents informed about what steps are being taken and when they can expect updates.
After the holidays, share a short summary of theft trends and resolution outcomes to demonstrate accountability and reinforce community trust. A structured and transparent response not only minimizes chaos but also turns an unfortunate event into an opportunity to strengthen resident relationships and show proactive management.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season puts every aspect of property operations under pressure, but package security doesn’t have to be one of them. By blending clear communication, delivery coordination, smart technology, and strong response systems, property managers can keep both residents and reputations protected.
Take the next step toward tamper-proof, monitored package management today when you contact Luxer One.
Find more tips and tricks to managing the holiday package piles take a look at our Holiday Package Prep Blog.
