My Package Was Stolen from My Porch. What Are My Legal Rights?
There are few modern frustrations quite like the sinking feeling of seeing an empty porch when you’re expecting a delivery. That eagerly awaited package has vanished. You’ve just become a victim of a "porch pirate," a crime that feels both personal and infuriatingly common.
In the moments after, you’re left feeling powerless and wondering: What are my legal rights, and what can I actually do about it?
At Kangaroo Home Security, we believe knowledge is power. While we aren't lawyers, we can empower you with a clear action plan. This guide will walk you through your rights, the responsibilities of retailers and carriers, and the critical steps to take. Think of this as your roadmap to resolution, with your Kangaroo Video Doorbell Camera acting as your personal, undeniable witness.
First: Is It Stolen or Just Delayed? A Quick Checklist
Before you declare the package stolen, run through this quick checklist. Sometimes a package marked "delivered" in a tracking app isn't actually missing.
Check the Tracking Details: Look for specific notes like "left at side door," "left with neighbor," or "in mailbox."
Do a Thorough Search: Check around your property—behind planters, near a back entrance, or any other spot a carrier might have tucked it for safety.
Ask Your Neighbors: A simple misdelivery to the house next door is a common occurrence.
Wait Until End of Day: Some carriers scan packages as delivered upon arrival in your neighborhood, with the actual drop-off happening a few hours later. Give it until the end of the day before sounding the alarm.
If you’ve done all this and your package is still missing, it’s time to take action.
Understanding the Responsibility Chain: Who Is Accountable?
When your delivery disappears, liability falls within a chain of responsibility. Here’s a quick-glance table to understand who is responsible for what.
Responsibility at a Glance
| Entity | Primary Responsibility | Your Action |
|---|---|---|
| The Seller (e.g., Amazon, Target) | Fulfilling your order, which includes ensuring successful delivery to your address. | Contact their customer service immediately to report the non-receipt of your item. |
| The Carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, USPS) | Safely transporting the package from the seller to your address and providing proof of delivery. | File a claim with them if directed by the seller, or if you suspect a misdelivery. |
| You, the Consumer | Securing your property and taking prompt action when a theft occurs. | File a police report, gather evidence (like Kangaroo video!), and contact the seller. |
| Kangaroo Security | Acting as your deterrent and digital witness to provide undeniable proof of theft. | Install your Video Doorbell and ensure it's active. Save and share any relevant video clips. |
In most cases, your contract is with the seller. They are responsible for getting the goods you paid for into your hands. This means your first point of contact should almost always be the company you bought the item from.
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan When a Package is Stolen
Document Everything: Gather your order confirmation email, the tracking number, and a screenshot of the "delivered" status. Note the date and approximate time of the theft.
File a Police Report: This is the most critical step. A police report creates an official record of the crime. While it may not lead to immediate recovery, this report is essential proof that sellers, credit card companies, and insurance providers will ask for. This is where your Kangaroo Video Doorbell Camera becomes your most powerful tool. Providing the police with clear video evidence transforms your claim from a simple report into a documented crime with a potential suspect, making it impossible to dismiss.
Contact the Seller (Your First Call): Reach out to the seller’s customer service. Calmly explain that your package was stolen after delivery and that you have filed a police report (provide the report number if you have it). Ask about their policy on stolen packages—most reputable companies, especially in cases of "amazon package stolen," will offer a refund or a replacement.
Contact the Shipping Carrier (If Necessary): The seller might ask you to file a claim directly with the carrier (e.g., in cases of a "fedex lost package" or "what happens if fedex loses my package"). If so, visit the carrier’s website to start the process. You'll need your tracking number and documentation. (FedEx Claims | UPS Claims)
Review Credit Card and Insurance Policies: Some credit cards offer purchase protection that may cover stolen items. It's also worth checking your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy for coverage.
Prevention: Your Best Defense Against Porch Pirates
The best way to handle package theft is to prevent it from ever happening. A visible security camera is a powerful deterrent. The Kangaroo Video Doorbell not only alerts you to motion at your door but also captures clear HD video evidence. When would-be thieves see a camera, they are far more likely to move on to an easier target.
For ultimate peace of mind, the optional Kangaroo Complete plan includes Package Theft Protection. This provides a reimbursement safety net if a package is stolen from your protected porch, giving you an extra layer of financial security.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stolen Packages
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Always contact the seller first. Your purchase agreement is with the seller, making them responsible for ensuring the goods get to you. They will often handle the claim with the carrier on their end, saving you the hassle and making the process much smoother.
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Yes, it's often possible, but your claim is significantly weaker. Without video, it becomes your word against the carrier's delivery confirmation. Having clear, undeniable footage from a Kangaroo Video Doorbell removes all doubt, strengthens your case immensely, and often leads to faster, no-questions-asked resolutions.
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Don't give up. First, appeal the decision, making sure to provide your police report number and, most importantly, any video evidence you have. If the seller remains unhelpful, your next step is to file a chargeback with your credit card company, explaining that you paid for goods you never received. This is another area where a police report and video evidence are crucial for winning your case.
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While it's unlikely to lead to the recovery of your specific item, a police report is the official proof you need. It's a non-negotiable document that sellers, credit card companies, and insurers require to process your claim for a refund or replacement. It also helps law enforcement track crime patterns in your neighborhood.
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Yes. Depending on the value of the stolen goods and state laws, porch piracy can range from a misdemeanor to a felony offense. If the package was delivered by the USPS, it becomes mail theft, which is a federal crime investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Reporting the crime with clear evidence helps ensure it's taken seriously.
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Our Kangaroo Complete plan includes a Package Theft Protection benefit, which acts as a financial safety net. It provides reimbursement under the plan's terms if a package is stolen from your protected porch, giving you an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Don't let porch pirates have the final say. Protect your deliveries and your peace of mind.
Shop the Kangaroo Video Doorbell Today
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. For specific legal questions, please consult with a qualified professional.
Your package was stolen! Understand your legal rights, who's responsible (Amazon, FedEx, UPS), and the steps to take. Learn how Kangaroo helps catch porch pirates.