What Happens When Your USPS Package Gets Stolen in 2024
Package theft has grown exponentially in recent years. According to security firm Vivint, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have had a package stolen from their home. For USPS, claims for lost or missing mail increased by 49% from 2020 to 2021.
With so many deliveries left on doorsteps, thieves have seized the opportunity for easy scores. But what recourse do victims have? This comprehensive guide explains exactly what to do if your USPS package gets stolen.
Immediate Steps If Your Package is Stolen
Upon discovering your USPS package has been stolen:
File a police report: Provide officers tracking information showing delivery confirmation and any video footage if available. Having this official report is key for further action.
Contact USPS: Submit a Missing Mail Search Request on their website. USPS will investigate from their end, checking with mail carriers and tracing the package‘s path.
Notify the seller: Whether an online retailer or individual merchant, contact them immediately about replacing or refunding your order. Provide the police report.
Check for neighborhood videos: Ask nearby homes if their security cameras captured footage of the theft that you can share with authorities.
Does USPS Insurance Cover Porch Piracy?
USPS does not take financial responsibility for stolen packages from home deliveries. Their insurance covers only items damaged or lost while still in USPS possession.
For porch piracy following "delivered" scans, liability lies with the retailers or senders. Consumers cannot directly submit USPS insurance claims.
However, USPS does take parcel theft seriously and investigates missing mail requests thoroughly with mail carriers, tracking scans, GPS data, etc. Their postal inspectors work closely with law enforcement on theft crimes.
Getting Refunds or Replacements on Stolen Packages
Major retailers like Amazon, Target and Walmart have their own theft protection programs in place and will generally replace stolen goods with a valid police report.
Smaller online merchants‘ policies can vary, so check for guarantees before purchasing. Most legitimate home businesses want to avoid negative reviews, though, so they will offer some form of coverage or assistance for porch piracy victims.
For peer-to-peer platforms like eBay or Craigslist where individuals ship on their own, theft claims depend completely on the seller‘s policies and cooperation. These transactions carry more risk.
Trends and Statistics on Package Theft in the U.S.
Package theft has risen sharply in step with booming e-commerce deliveries. Losses already tally over $19 billion annually:
|
|---|
And experts expect up to 36% annual growth in parcel piracy over the next few years as deliveries continue accelerating post-covid. Porch pirates have never had more vulnerable targets.
Preventing Package Theft
While USPS and retailers take action after the fact, preventing theft remains consumers’ responsibility. Deterrent options include:
- Video doorbells/security cameras
- Custom delivery instructions
- Smart locks
- Package drop boxes
- Motion sensor lights
UPS estimates that simple measures like delivery instructions can cut porch piracy rates by 60%. Don‘t make your home an easy target.
In summary, contacting authorities, USPS and the retailer promptly are critical first steps if a package gets stolen. Most major merchants will replace orders, while USPS focuses on recovery or investigation rather than financial restitution. Strategic prevention is also key to avoiding this headache in the future.
