Delivery theft happens everywhere, but there are some places in America that, for whatever reason, are favored by “porch pirates.” While perhaps not as intrusive as home invasion or burglary, package theft is an upsetting crime that can be as frustrating as it is expensive.

                By                    David Nadelle

Walmart Price Hikes: Rampant Theft Could Lead to Higher CostsFood Stamps: Fraud and Theft Are on the Rise — How Can You Prevent Them?

According to its fifth annual Package Theft in America report, home security experts Safewise found that around 260 million packages were stolen from outside U.S. homes over the past 12 months, marking an increase of 50 million since last year’s results. It is a sad-but-true fact that 79% of Americans have been a victim of package theft in the last 12 months, losing a total $19.5 billion in the process, per the report.

As the busy holiday delivery season approaches, opportunities for thieves will increase dramatically. Safewise’s criminal justice and theft expert Dr. Ben Stickle warned, “People are busier this time of year and have their routine shifted as they may work later,” also noting they are likely to “spend more time away from home shopping or visiting with family and friends.” Such activities can so leave packages sitting alone on porches for hours at a time.

More From Your Money: Choose a high-interest saving, checking, CD, or investing account from our list of top banks to start saving today.

Using Google Ads (formerly AdWords) data over the last five years related to searches for stolen and missing packages, delivery route planner Circuit released a study tracking where in the U.S. you might be more likely to get parcels stolen or lost during the coming holiday season — or any time of year, for that matter.

Places with the Most Lost Packages Over the Past 5 Years (searches per 100,000 residents):

  • Washington, District of Columbia (Washington) – 669.2Vermont – 327.5North Dakota – 294.6Wyoming – 293.7Delaware – 289.4Alaska – 288.6Rhode Island – 275.7Washington – 233.4South Dakota – 228.2California – 224.4

California came in tenth place in Circuit’s search study for states with the most lost packages, and is also the unfortunate home to three of the top ten cities that have experienced the most package thefts over the last five years. In Sunnyvale, CA, approximately 1.5% of the city’s population searched for stolen parcels recently, per Circuit’s research.

Cities with the Most Lost Packages Over the Past 5 Years (searches per 100,000 residents):

  • Sunnyvale, CA – 1,535.5Bellevue, WA – 1,439.3Salt Lake City, UT – 1,368.4Alexandria, VA – 1,258.5Hayward, CA – 1,098.2Pomona, CA – 1,092.8Fort Lauderdale, FL – 1,073.9Lakewood, CO – 1,069.9Rochester, NY – 1.059.7Knoxville, TN – 1.046.1

We now know where thieves have previously hit customers the most, but crooks can strike anywhere, and in any state or city. Short of staking out your own house for delivery couriers, there are several popular preventative strategies you can take to minimize the chances of becoming a victim of theft.

In the Market for a Holiday Pet? Puppy Scams Cost Americans $2M This YearHoliday Scams: Big Ones to Watch For and Expert Tips to Protect Yourself

As AARP reported, with holiday spending and shipping soon skyrocketing, you owe it to yourself to defend your home deliveries with the following safeguarding steps:

  • Dollar Tree: 5 High-Quality Items To Buy NowDo You Have a Tax Question? Ask a Tax ProThe 10 Best Cash Back Credit Cards for 20236 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Procrastinate on Your Taxes