Metro Atlanta among worst cities for package theft, according to report
As online shopping continues to grow, so does the number of Atlanta residents falling prey to porch pirates.
According to a new report from SafeWise, Atlanta ranks sixth nationwide for package theft, with criminals making off with more than $154 million worth of deliveries in 2023.
“Package theft is a crime of opportunity,” Ben Stickle, a criminal behavior research specialist, explained to the home safety and security company. “The more packages left for longer periods of time on a porch, the more likely they are to be stolen.”
The report, which analyzed FBI crime statistics and surveyed 7,500 people nationwide, found 97% of Georgians who experienced package theft added security measures afterward — the highest percentage among states with major theft problems. Despite these precautions, Atlanta still sees 444 incidents per 1,000 households.
The timing couldn’t be more relevant as we’re in the midst of holiday season, when package deliveries surge. While most stolen items are valued under $100, the cumulative loss is staggering — package theft cost Americans a cumulative $16 billion last year.
Our picks this week
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is your No. 1 source for things to do, see, make, buy and eat through the holidays. Here are our recommendations:
LISTEN: What’s on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ holiday playlist?
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VISIT: Full AJC holiday guide for things to do, buy and enjoy
For our full coverage of holiday events around metro Atlanta, check out the AJC’s Things to Do page.
SafeWise experts recommended several preventive measures to protect your deliveries from porch pirates. Consider installing a video doorbell or security camera system — the most popular deterrent among surveyed victims. Schedule deliveries for times you’ll be home or arrange deliveries to a secure Amazon locker location. Always enable tracking notifications so you can bring packages inside sooner rather than later.
Although package theft shows no signs of slowing down, taking these precautions could help to ensure your deliveries make it safely from the porch to your hands.
About the Author
Avery Newmark covers travel, wellness, events and trending news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. With a dual background in film production and journalism, Avery came to the AJC after working as a video editor. She enjoys film photography and live music in her free time. Reach her at avery.newmark@ajc.com.
