Package Theft Surges in N.J. as “Porch Pirates” Target Homes

URGENT UPDATE: Package theft is skyrocketing across New Jersey, with “porch pirates” becoming a growing concern for residents. Just last month, Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik witnessed an alarming incident on his Ring camera: a delivery driver not only dropped off a package but also snatched one from his front steps. “It was crazy,” Hornik said, highlighting the new reality of package theft that has surged in recent years.

New data shows that over 190,000 New Jersey residents reported package thefts in just a three-month period last year, according to U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.). Nationally, an estimated 104 million packages were stolen last year alone—equating to approximately 250,000 thefts daily. The financial impact is staggering, with porch piracy costing American families $15 billion in 2025, alongside an additional $22 billion in losses for retailers, according to a report by SafeWise.

Just as the situation escalates, New Jersey is stepping up its legal response. In 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy enacted legislation that classifies the theft of delivered packages as a third-degree crime, carrying a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and fines reaching $15,000. Gottheimer is also pushing for new federal legislation that could increase penalties to 10 years for package theft, aiming to address the rampant issue.

“There’s a literal Grinch that tears through neighborhoods,” Gottheimer stated at a press conference, emphasizing the urgency of the problem. Law enforcement is now more focused on package theft, especially after a sophisticated ring of thieves was dismantled in February, revealing how organized crime can exploit delivery data.

However, experts warn that most porch piracy remains opportunistic. “The majority of packages that are stolen are probably opportunistic,” said Ben Stickle, a criminal justice professor at Middle Tennessee State University. He estimates that only 7 to 10% of package thefts are reported to police, making it difficult to track the full extent of the issue.

Despite the rise in video surveillance like Ring cameras, many thieves continue to act brazenly. A recent case in Gloucester Township involved a suspect who filmed himself dancing in front of a camera while stealing a package, only to later return and plead for the footage to be removed. “That’s my a– on the internet!” he exclaimed, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

As concerns mount, residents are turning to various strategies to safeguard their deliveries. While some have resorted to viral “prank” packages outfitted with glitter bombs or dye packs, legal experts caution against such tactics. “I would not advise anyone to prank a thief,” warned attorney Michael J. Epstein, noting the potential for serious legal repercussions.

Police departments in New Jersey are also adopting more traditional preventative measures. Gloucester Township has implemented GPS-tracked bait packages to catch thieves in the act, leading to several arrests. Other towns are increasing patrols and utilizing neighborhood camera registries, particularly during the peak holiday season when package thefts typically spike.

Ultimately, experts agree that the simplest solution may be the most effective. “If there’s nothing to steal, the crime can’t be committed,” Hornik noted. By quickly retrieving packages after delivery, residents can deter would-be thieves. Stickle echoed this sentiment, stating, “If I can remove the box from the front porch, I don’t have to worry about why someone wants to steal it.”

As the fight against porch piracy intensifies, New Jersey residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The stakes are high, and with the holiday season approaching, the urgency to protect packages has never been greater.