Last week, while taking a walk in the neighborhood, I noticed something interesting. The scenery in front of each house was quite different. Some houses had boxes just sitting out in front, while others had large metal containers placed there.

With Black Friday approaching and the holiday season upon us, packages will be pouring in. So this time, I looked into how to change up the entrance to reduce the chances of theft.

First, let's look at the numbers. According to an annual report released by the security information site SafeWise in November 2025, an estimated 10.4 million packages were stolen in the U.S. over the past 12 months.

While that's a decrease of 1.6 million from the previous year's report, the total consumer loss is still pegged at $15 billion, so the reduction isn't much of a comfort.

The average value of a stolen package was reported to be $143. Considering that's about the cost of a holiday gift, it can be quite painful.

I also looked up the numbers for Nevada. In the same SafeWise survey, 29% of respondents in Nevada reported experiencing package theft in the past year.

This is down from 42% the previous year and slightly lower than the national average of 31%. However, the percentage of those worried about package theft was 58%, making it the third highest in the nation.

This indicates that the anxiety about theft is greater than the actual incidents. Honestly, I can understand that. When I get an alert from my door camera showing an unknown person, my heart skips a beat.

So, what should we change at the entrance? The first thing I suggest is to make sure boxes are not visible from the street.

The more visible a box is from the road, the easier it is to become a target. Leaving a delivery note for the driver to place the package in a less visible spot, like behind a pillar or next to a flower pot, can make a difference.

The second option is a locking package box. This type allows the driver to place the package inside and lock it, which is quite secure as long as the box isn't too large.

However, keep in mind that metal boxes can get extremely hot under the desert sun, so it's best to place them in a shaded area and avoid putting food or medication inside.

The third suggestion is to use cameras and lighting. A doorbell camera won't completely prevent theft, but having a visible camera can make a thief hesitate, and it provides evidence if something does happen.

During the shorter days of winter, it's also a good idea to install motion-sensor lights. Packages left out in the dark after work hours are the most vulnerable.

The fourth option is to avoid using your front door altogether. Actively using options like Amazon Hub lockers or grocery store pickups can be very effective.

Lockers typically have a short holding period, so you need to pick up your package as soon as you get the notification. I find it convenient to stop by on my way to the grocery store.

The methods introduced by the Las Vegas Metro Police are similar. Receiving packages while you're home, having them delivered to your workplace, or using signature-required options are all good strategies.

The fifth option is to involve your neighbors. The Henderson Police also suggested in their December safety guide to ask family or neighbors to keep an eye on your packages.

Honestly, a simple hello to your neighbor is often the most cost-effective and reliable security measure. Just letting each other know your travel plans can significantly reduce the chances of packages being left unattended for long periods.

Make sure to enable delivery notifications as well. USPS's Informed Delivery is free to sign up for and lets you know in advance what mail and packages are coming that day, helping you gauge how long a package might be left out.

If you'll be away from home for travel or business, you can use the USPS Hold Mail service. This is a free service that holds your mail and packages at the post office for a specified period.

If you want to intercept a package that has already been sent, there is a paid service called Package Intercept. You need to request it before delivery, and you can check the fees on usps.com.

If you do fall victim to theft, the order of actions is important. First, contact the retailer or shipping company immediately. Many online stores will resend or refund if you report within a certain timeframe.

It's also a good idea to file a police report. If it's not an emergency, use the non-emergency number, and if you have camera footage, be sure to provide that as well.

One thing I want to emphasize is not to chase or confront the thief directly. This is something police often stress as dangerous. No package is worth getting hurt over.

Check if your credit card offers purchase protection benefits. Each card issuer has different terms, so it's best to check the policy or contact customer service directly.

After organizing all this, I realized the key takeaway is to reduce the time packages spend at your doorstep.

If it were me, I would do this: receive expensive items at lockers or pickups, and for smaller items, I would designate a less visible spot and use a camera.

And I'm thinking of bringing a plate of cookies to my neighbor and suggesting we keep an eye on each other's packages during the holiday season. That's likely to be a more lasting security measure than spending hundreds of dollars on equipment.

This holiday season, I hope you can enjoy the fun of gift shopping without worrying about your packages.