Kentucky Among Worst States for Package Theft as Holiday Deliveries Surge

As the days get shorter and front porches fall into early evening shadows, a new report is shedding light on a growing holiday headache: package theft. According to fresh data from Compare the Market, Kentucky ranks among the worst states in the country for parcel theft.

Running a nonprofit means I’m constantly ordering online, so package theft is always on my radar, especially this time of year. Fortunately, there are ways to lower the risk. And it’s not just a local concern: across the U.S., an estimated 58 million packages were stolen in 2024 alone, racking up nearly $25 million in losses every single day. With delivery volumes skyrocketing for the holidays, experts warn we’re entering a perfect storm for porch piracy.

Porch Pirates Are Back

It turns out Kentucky isn’t just known for bourbon and bluegrass! It’s also becoming a hotspot for porch pirates. With a population of just over 4.5 million, the state sees an estimated 539 package thefts per 100,000 people, putting it near the top of the national list for reported incidents. On top of that, there were more than 24,000 “other larceny” offenses reported across the state, which include crimes like stealing items from porches, yards, and vehicles. That’s a lot of disappearing deliveries, and a sign that Kentucky homeowners need to be on alert this holiday season.

Get our free mobile app

How to Keep Your Packages Safe This Holiday Season

If you’re ordering online (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), a few small steps can go a long way in keeping your packages safe:

Track your deliveries – Most couriers offer tracking by default, so keep an eye on the updates. If it shows “delivered” and your porch is empty, you’ll know to act quickly.

Request a signature – If it’s a high-value item, consider requiring a signature on delivery. That way, the parcel won’t be left unattended.

Use secure drop-off options – Some retailers let you choose delivery lockers or in-store pickup instead of home drop-off. These can be great alternatives if you’re not home during the day.

Install a video doorbell or camera – A visible security camera can be enough to scare off thieves. And if someone does take your package, you’ll have footage to share with the authorities.

Ask a neighbor for help – If you know you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor to grab your package or keep an eye out for it.

The Bottom Line

As Kentucky emerges as one of the top states for package theft, it’s clear that porch pirates aren’t slowing down, especially during the busy holiday season. But with a few proactive steps, you can seriously lower your risk and make your home a much tougher target. And if something does go missing, don’t panic! Start with the delivery service, loop in the retailer, and document everything you can. A little vigilance now can save you a lot of frustration later.

SOURCE: ComparetheMarket.com

Package Theft

Porch Pirates

Holiday Delivery Tips

Home Security

Online Shopping Safety

Kentucky Crime Stats

Nonprofit Operations

Package Tracking

Video Doorbells

Holiday Season 2025

Theft Prevention

E-commerce Security