National Package Protection Day
National Package Protection Day is celebrated on the Wednesday following Thanksgiving each year. It aims to raise awareness about package theft and encourages consumers to take precautions to protect their deliveries, especially during the holiday shopping season when package deliveries increase significantly.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The Wednesday after Thanksgiving
- Tagged as: Consumer awareness, Package safety, Holiday security
- What’s the hashtag?: #PackageProtectionDay
- When was it founded?: 2016
- Who founded it?: Ring.com, a home security company
History of National Package Protection Day
National Package Protection Day was established by Ring.com in 2016 as a response to the growing problem of package theft, particularly during the holiday season. With the rise of e-commerce and online shopping, more packages are being delivered to homes than ever before, creating opportunities for “porch pirates” to steal unattended deliveries. The day was created to educate consumers about ways to protect their packages and prevent theft.
Timeline
- 2010: The term “porch pirate” first appears on Twitter
- 2016: First National Package Protection Day is celebrated
- 2019: Several states begin passing laws against parcel theft
- 2020: Lonnie Paxton creates the Porch Piracy Act
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | December 3 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 2 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | December 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | November 29 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 28 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | November 27 | Wednesday |
Observed
National Package Protection Day is observed by homeowners, online shoppers, e-commerce companies, and security services. Many retailers and security companies offer special promotions and educational resources on this day to help consumers protect their deliveries.
Fun Facts About Package Protection
- Around 1.7 million parcels are either lost or stolen daily in the U.S., with numbers increasing during the holiday season.
- Different states have different laws regarding package theft. In New York, it can be considered Grand Larceny if the value exceeds $1,000.
- Package theft is less common in European and Asian countries where payment upon delivery is more common.
- Amazon introduced a service in 2017 allowing delivery personnel to access homes using a Digital Key to prevent package theft.
- Approximately 40% of package theft incidents occur in apartments and multifamily communities.
Quiz
- When is National Package Protection Day celebrated?
- What percentage of Americans have experienced package theft?
- What year was National Package Protection Day founded?
(Answers: 1. Wednesday after Thanksgiving, 2. About 80%, 3. 2016)
FAQs
What is porch piracy?
Porch piracy refers to the theft of packages from a recipient’s residence, typically from their porch or doorstep. The term became popular around 2010 and usually involves the theft of valuable items like electronics and home appliances.
Is package theft considered a serious crime?
Laws vary by state. In most U.S. states, porch piracy is considered a Level-Three Misdemeanor with monetary penalties. However, some states have begun implementing stricter laws with the possibility of prison sentences.
What are some ways to prevent package theft?
Some effective methods include installing security cameras, tracking packages online, scheduling deliveries for when you’re home, having packages delivered to your workplace, using package lockboxes, or asking neighbors to collect packages for you.
Importance of National Package Protection Day
National Package Protection Day serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to be vigilant about their deliveries during the busy holiday shopping season. It helps raise awareness about the growing problem of package theft and educates people on preventative measures. The day also encourages lawmakers to address porch piracy through legislation and prompts e-commerce companies to develop better delivery solutions. By preventing package theft, consumers avoid financial loss and inconvenience, while retailers reduce costs associated with replacing stolen items.
Related
- National Online Shopping Day
- Cyber Monday
- Black Friday
- Small Business Saturday
- National Consumer Protection Week
