As Thieves Target Packages and Home Burglaries; NICB Offers Some Important Tips on Protecting Valuables this Holiday Season

With “package pirate” thefts and home burglaries on the rise during the holiday season, the National Insurance Crime Bureau is urging shoppers and homeowners to take a few extra precautions to safeguard their property. According to the FBI, burglary offenses caused an estimated $3.4 billion in property losses in 2018. The average dollar loss per burglary offense was $2,799. For non-burglary thefts, such as packages being stolen from porches, the costs were much higher at $6 billion nationwide in 2018.  

With people attending numerous holiday activities away from home, there are many opportunities for thieves to strike, which is why we encourage you to be cautious and have a plan in place to avoid being a target. 

NICB Tips to Avoid Being a Victim this Holiday Season:  

  • Don’t let your home look unoccupied. If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, leave lights on, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail, and consider automatic timers for holiday lights. 
  • Look into installing a security system with cameras, sometimes insurers will offer a discount for homes with installed security systems.   
  • Be smart about package deliveries. Try to schedule deliveries for when you are home or request that packages be left at a side or back door. Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your porch.  

If your packages were stolen, first contact police to file a report, then contact the sender and your credit card company.  

Most homeowners or renters insurance policies cover the cost for stolen packages. This would only be helpful for purchases that are worth more than your deductible. 

Contact your insurance company or agent to find out the details of your policy.  

Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422) or submitting a form on our website.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the NICB is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. The NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property-casualty insurers, self-insureds, rental car, vehicle finance, and auto auctions. To learn more, visit www.nicb.org.