The data point: Roughly 1 in 3 households were victims of porch pirates last year, according to new research by Omnisend.

• In total, about 241 million parcels were stolen, though those thefts weren’t evenly spread.
• Location mattered. Theft rates were dramatically higher in densely populated areas like New York (39%) than in rural states such as Alabama (5%).
• For those affected, the costs added up quickly, with victims losing an average of 6.37 packages each.

Why it matters: While 70% of victims were reimbursed, nearly a quarter of retailers (23%) declined responsibility, leaving shoppers frustrated.

That’s why it isn’t surprising that porch piracy shifts consumers’ shopping patterns. Nearly half of consumers (44%) who have had packages stolen say they now order online less often. Another 29% buy only from retailers with easy refund policies, and 27% switch to lockers or in-store pickup.

Our take: While porch piracy is an unfortunate reality, it doesn’t have to become a loyalty killer. Clear refund or replacement policies, real-time delivery updates, and secure pickup options can go a long way toward reassuring customers. Brands that treat post-purchase protection as part of the overall experience can build lasting trust and long-term relationships with customers.

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