The Rise of Package Theft in WNY: How Homeowners Can Protect Their Deliveries

Online shopping is more popular than ever, and with it comes a growing problem for Western New York homeowners: package theft. From Buffalo and Tonawanda to Amherst, Niagara Falls, and the Southtowns, porch piracy has become a year-round issue — and one that spikes around holidays, weekends, and major sales events.

At Advanced Alarm, we’ve seen a steady increase in calls from homeowners asking how to better protect their front porch and deter would-be thieves. The good news? A few strategic security upgrades and simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk — and many are easier to put in place than you might think.

Why Package Theft Is Rising in Western New York

Package theft is no longer a “big city only” problem. Neighborhoods throughout WNY have reported an uptick in incidents in recent years. A few key factors are driving the trend:

More Deliveries Than Ever

Online shopping, same-day delivery, and subscription services mean more packages are left on porches daily — often without notice.

Fast Grab-and-Go Opportunities

Thieves often follow delivery trucks or drive slowly through neighborhoods looking for easy targets. A porch with a box but no camera is an invitation.

Busy Lifestyles

Many homeowners are at work during delivery windows, leaving packages unattended for hours at a time.

Holiday & Weather Patterns

Package theft peaks during the holiday season — but in WNY, snowbanks, poor visibility, and early nightfall can create additional cover for thieves throughout winter.

What Thieves Look For (According to Real WNY Reports)

Local police departments and neighborhood watch groups consistently report the same patterns:

• Homes with no visible cameras or lighting

• Porches that are hidden from street view

• Packages left for multiple hours during the day

• Multiple deliveries sitting out at once

• Homes where it appears no one is home

Porch pirates often want quick, low-risk opportunities. If they see cameras, lights, or signs of professional monitoring, they typically move on.

How to Protect Your Deliveries: Practical Tips for WNY Homeowners

Protecting your packages doesn't require drastic changes — just a few smart layers of security.

1. Install a High-Quality Doorbell Camera

Video doorbells provide real-time alerts, two-way audio, and recorded footage that can help identify suspects. They also serve as a powerful visual deterrent.

2. Add a Porch or Driveway Camera

A wider-angle camera covering your front porch, sidewalk, or driveway makes your home far less attractive to thieves. Explore professional installation options here:https://www.advancedalarm.net/residential-security

3. Use Motion-Activated Lighting

Package thieves prefer to move quickly in darkness or shadows. Good lighting — especially near the front door — can send them elsewhere.

4. Track Deliveries and Use Custom Delivery Options

Most delivery carriers allow you to:

• Set specific delivery windows

• Require signatures

• Redirect packages to secure pickup locations

• Add notes for placing packages out of sight

Even one of these steps helps reduce theft risk.

5. Bring Packages Inside Quickly

Ask a trusted neighbor to retrieve deliveries when you're not home. This is especially helpful in Buffalo neighborhoods with early deliveries or frequent drop-offs.

6. Use Smart Home Automation

Smart home tools can help you:

• Unlock the door remotely for delivery drivers (Amazon Key, etc.)

• Turn lights on automatically when motion is detected

• Send instant notifications when someone approaches your porch

These tools pair perfectly with professionally installed security systems.

Why Professional Installation Matters

DIY cameras are popular, but they come with limitations — blind spots, unreliable Wi-Fi, and poor visibility during WNY’s harsh weather. A professionally installed system ensures:

• Correct camera placement (avoiding snow glare, shadows, and blind spots)

• Optimal angle and lighting for facial recognition

• Seamless integration with your existing alarm system

• Better performance during winter storms

• Reliable monitoring and support

Advanced Alarm has served WNY homeowners since 1989, and our team understands the unique challenges of local neighborhoods, weather patterns, and home layouts.

Learn more about the benefits of choosing a local company:https://www.advancedalarm.net/homeowner-benefits

If Your Package Is Stolen — What to Do

If you suspect a theft, take these steps:

1. Check your camera footage

2. Verify the delivery status with the carrier

3. Save and download video evidence

4. Report the theft to your local police department

5. Contact the retailer — many offer refunds or replacements

6. Notify neighbors so they can check their own footage

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Sharing clips in local neighborhood groups can also help identify recurring patterns or vehicles.

A Safer Porch Starts With Better Security

Package theft may be increasing across Western New York, but with the right strategy and equipment, your home can become one of the hardest targets on the block.

Whether you want to upgrade your cameras, add automation, or build a fully monitored security system, our team can help.

Schedule a consultation today:https://www.advancedalarm.net/contact