WASHINGTON - A new report says that stealing packages off porches and doorsteps, something often called "porch piracy," is costing the U.S. economy a lot of money – somewhere between $5 billion and $16 billion each year.

The report, released Thursday by the U.S. Postal Service's watchdog group, says that to fight this problem, different groups need to work together better. These groups include the companies that deliver packages (like UPS and FedEx), the stores that send them, the government, and the police.

The report, called "Package Theft in the United States," points out that in just one year, 2024, at least 58 million packages were stolen. This not only causes financial problems but also messes up how these companies operate. Plus, it makes people trust online stores and delivery services less.

The people who wrote the report believe the Postal Service could be a key player in solving this problem because people generally trust it, and it has its own police force. They say that sharing information and finding solutions together has worked in other areas with crime, so it could work here too.

The report explains that it's hard to know exactly how much package theft is happening because the way it's reported isn't always consistent. It also looks at how this theft affects stores and delivery companies. Stores often pay to replace stolen items, while delivery companies spend more money dealing with complaints and can get a bad reputation.

The report suggests several ways these different groups can work together to reduce package theft. These ideas include:

  • More delivery options: Giving people choices like setting up specific delivery times or using secure lockers.
  • Better technology: Using things like tracking apps and systems that can help prevent theft.
  • Smarter packaging: Using plain boxes and training delivery drivers on where to safely leave packages.
  • Sharing information: Letting everyone involved know about theft trends so they can come up with better solutions.

The report also mentions that lawmakers and the police have a role to play. Right now, it's not always clear who oversees dealing with package theft, and having stronger laws could make people think twice before stealing. There have even been some recent efforts in Congress, like something called the "Porch Pirates Act," to make the federal government more involved.

The report ends by saying that dealing with package theft is important not just to save money but also to keep people's trust and make sure the whole system of online shopping and delivery stays strong as it grows.

The entire OIG White Paper may be viewed by following the link below: