What to Do If Someone Steals Your Package
September 25, 2025
Quick Summary
Online shopping brings convenience, but the rise of porch pirates has made package theft more common. If your package is missing, here’s how to handle a stolen or missing package and how to prevent it from happening again.
Check cameras for proof and file a police report if you have evidence.
Contact the sender and carrier to confirm status and report your package is missing.
File a stolen package report with the original seller.
Talk to your credit card company or insurance for reimbursement options.
Request secure deliveries to prevent future theft.
Step 1—Use Cameras
If you have a security system, review your recordings. Many modern cameras detect motion and start recording automatically. Within the Brinks Home™ app, you can even distinguish between your mail carrier and someone loitering near your porch.
Why Camera Footage Helps
Confirms if your package is missing due to theft or delivery error.
Provides evidence for police or insurance claims.
Syncs to your phone so you can monitor deliveries in real time.
Step 2—Contact the Sender
If you didn’t see theft occur but your delivery hasn’t arrived, start by contacting the sender. They can confirm delays, update tracking, or issue a refund. Many retailers allow you to file a claim quickly.
Amazon Stolen Package Process
Go to your Amazon orders.
Select the item and click “Problem with order.”
Choose “Order didn’t arrive” and follow prompts to file an Amazon report stolen package.
Amazon will investigate and typically issue a replacement or refund.
Step 3—Contact the Carrier
If tracking shows “delivered” but no package is present, file a claim with the carrier. Have your tracking number, proof of value, and any camera evidence ready. Policies differ, so check requirements for USPS, UPS, or FedEx before filing.
Step 4—Ask Your Neighbors
Packages are sometimes delivered to the wrong address. Ask neighbors if they received your delivery or noticed suspicious activity. A quick check can confirm whether your package is missing or simply misplaced.
Step 5—Check Credit Card or Insurance Coverage
Some credit cards and insurance policies cover stolen packages. Keep in mind:
Credit card claims often require receipts, statements, and a filed police report.
Insurance may reimburse only if the stolen item exceeds your deductible.
Premiums could rise if you file an insurance claim, so weigh the cost carefully.
Step 6—File a Police Report
If you have video or strong evidence, file a police report. Include:
Delivery time and theft time.
Video or photo proof.
Package value and tracking information.
Filing a report strengthens claims with retailers, credit card companies, or insurance providers.
How to Catch and Deter Porch Pirates
Doorbell Cameras
Doorbell cameras, like Brinks Home's, alert you the moment someone approaches your front door, giving you an instant view of package deliveries and visitors. With two-way audio, you can speak to anyone at your doorstep in real time—whether it’s a delivery driver or a potential thief. Clear video footage helps you identify faces and provides valuable evidence if a package is stolen.
Outdoor Cameras
Outdoor cameras provide wide coverage around your property, ensuring you can see when deliveries arrive and monitor for suspicious activity. Motion detection sends instant alerts to your phone, while remote viewing through a mobile app helps you check in no matter where you are. High-quality video and night vision capture useful footage that can deter porch pirates and support investigations. Advanced AI features, like Brinks Home’s Perimeter Guard, can even create virtual trip wires around your property that detect movement and approaching activity, providing proactive alerts and advanced security.
How to Prevent Package Theft
Use alternative delivery locations: Ship to Amazon Lockers, post office boxes, or ask the carrier to hold your items at a nearby location instead of delivering to your home.
Schedule delivery windows: Be home when packages arrive or request signature upon delivery.
Ask for help: Have neighbors or friends collect packages if you’re away.
Show security signs: Display Brinks Home yard signs or window stickers to deter thieves.
Why Brinks Home?
If your package goes missing, don’t panic. From checking camera footage to filing claims, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue and protect yourself in the future. With Brinks Home, you don’t have to handle security on your own—our professionally installed systems and award-winning 24/7 monitoring provide real peace of mind. From doorbell and outdoor cameras that help deter porch pirates to around-the-clock monitoring that ensures quick response, Brinks Home gives you the confidence that your home and deliveries are protected. Contact Brinks Home today for a free security consultation and learn how our professionally monitored systems can keep your home protected from package theft.
FAQ
What Should I Do if a Package Gets Stolen?
Start by reviewing your Brinks Home camera footage and saving any clips that show the theft. Then contact the sender to report the issue and file a carrier or insurance claim if needed. Having professionally monitored cameras helps provide clear evidence for quicker resolution.
How Do I Report a Stolen Amazon Package?
Log into your Amazon account, go to “Your Orders,” and select “Problem with order” to file a claim. Submitting Brinks Home camera footage along with your report strengthens your case and helps speed up reimbursement.
How Can I Prevent Package Theft?
Using Brinks Home doorbell and outdoor cameras deters porch pirates by sending real-time alerts and capturing activity around your home. You can also schedule deliveries, request signatures, or use secure pickup locations for added protection.
