Package theft continues to be a growing issue in the U.S., especially in residential areas where last-mile drivers make the majority of their deliveries. Nearly 1.7 million packages are stolen or go missing each day, with total losses reaching around $25 million daily. That adds up to billions in lost goods each year. According to a recent report, 44 percent of Americans have experienced package theft, and 17 percent say it’s happened to them in just the last three months. For drivers, this not only leads to frustrated customers and negative reviews but can also impact your performance rating or future earnings. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the risk and help protect the packages you’re responsible for delivering.
Require a signature for high-value deliveries.
If the platform you work with allows it, choose the “signature required” option when delivering expensive items. While it may take a few extra seconds, this ensures the package won’t be left unattended and adds a layer of protection for both you and the recipient.
Offer secure drop-off locations when available.
Some customers have access to Amazon Lockers, FedEx Office locations, or UPS Access Points. These secure delivery options significantly lower the chance of theft. When possible, confirm if these alternatives are acceptable before defaulting to a front porch or open doorway.
Avoid placing packages in plain sight.
Packages that are visible from the street are easy targets. Whenever possible, place deliveries behind a column, under a bench, or tucked behind a planter. If delivery instructions are included, follow them exactly. Many customers now leave specific notes for hidden or preferred locations.
Know how to use lockable drop boxes.
Some residential buildings and single-family homes are starting to install lockable boxes for deliveries. It helps to become familiar with how these work—especially combo-lock or keypad systems—so you can quickly and securely place items inside when available.
Encourage recipients to turn on delivery notifications
Most major delivery apps send real-time alerts when a package is dropped off. Encourage customers to activate push notifications if they haven’t already. Faster pickup means less time the item sits outside, which reduces risk.
When possible, hand off to neighbors or staff.
If the customer isn’t home and there’s a trustworthy neighbor, concierge, or leasing office nearby, that’s often a safer choice than leaving the package exposed. Always check the app’s instructions first, and if allowed, let the customer know where you left it.
Pay attention to doorbell cameras or motion sensors
If a house has a camera or motion alert system, your presence may already be known. In some cases, the customer may even be watching in real time. If you see a camera light activate or receive a note saying “monitoring in progress,” it’s worth briefly pausing or knocking before placing the item.
If theft happens, guide the customer to report it right away
If a customer reports that a package was stolen after delivery, remind them to check any security footage and to file a police report immediately. They should also contact the platform or retailer to report the issue. This creates a paper trail that helps track patterns and holds repeat offenders accountable.
As a last-mile driver, you can’t control every outcome. But by following these simple and effective practices, you can greatly reduce the chance of package theft, protect your delivery rating, and build more trust with the people you serve each day. It’s not just about dropping off the box—it’s about making sure it ends up where it’s supposed to be, safely and reliably.
