By: Shelly Peterson
A resident has been tracking their package all day. The delivery notification arrives, but when they get home to their apartment building, the package has vanished into thin air. This frustrating scenario plays out countless times across apartment communities, creating frustration for residents and operational challenges for property managers.
With the online retail market projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2028, most apartment buildings are managing unprecedented package volumes. The package delivery infrastructure hasn’t caught up with our online shopping habits, exposing residents’ packages to theft. Fortunately, understanding how to reduce package theft in apartments and understanding the available solutions can help you make informed decisions about package security.
Why Package Theft Is a Growing Problem for Multifamily Apartment Buildings
In the U.S, about 115 million packages were stolen from porches in 2024. Statistics also show that as many as 58 million Americans have experienced package theft, and apartment dwellers often get hit the hardest. Meanwhile, U.S. Postal Inspection Service data show that mail theft complaints are climbing steadily, especially in cities where apartments dominate the landscape.
Several factors make apartments vulnerable to package thieves. The average apartment resident may receive three or more packages per week, with this increasing during the holidays. Multiply this by hundreds of units, and you have an overload of packages that are vulnerable to theft without the right solutions.
The physical setup of apartments is one of the challenges that building managers face with securing packages. Unlike suburban homes with private porches, apartment packages accumulate in shared spaces where anyone can walk through. These high-traffic zones, including lobbies, mail rooms, and building entrances, become attractive targets for opportunistic thieves who blend in with legitimate residents.
Anonymity is another component that enables theft. In a building with 200+ units and constant turnover, one would need a photographic memory to recognize every resident and authorized guest. Packages sit unattended for hours while residents are at work, creating windows of opportunity that thieves love to exploit.
For property managers, this isn’t just about unhappy residents, but the severe business impacts and liability exposures that occur when packages disappear. Insurance premiums can spike with every claim, and poor reviews can affect occupancy rates. Properties known for package problems may struggle to attract quality residents, as new renters often want the most secure dwelling.
Common Weak Points in Apartment Delivery Setups
Knowing where your building’s vulnerable points are located is fundamental to finding effective solutions. Most apartment communities share the same vulnerable spots that attract thieves:
Unsecured Package Areas
Traditional mail rooms? They were designed for letters and flyers, not today’s package avalanche. When boxes pile up on unsecured open shelves or spill onto floors, it’s an invitation for theft.
Surveillance That Misses the Mark
Too many buildings rely on ancient cameras that capture grainy footage of the tops of baseball caps. Common surveillance failures include cameras mounted ceiling-high and which cause several issues:
- They do not work well for identifying faces
- They create massive blind spots in package areas
- The low-resolution images make everyone look pixelated and difficult to identify
Without proper surveillance, catching thieves becomes nearly impossible.
The Delivery Driver Dilemma
Delivery drivers often can’t access the building properly, so they have to get creative. Packages may end up in open spaces where security is often overlooked. Without accountability tracking, anyone with building access, from neighbors to maintenance staff, could potentially grab packages undetected.
Holiday Season Chaos
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, package volumes can spike overnight. Police warn that thieves actively target apartments during peak shopping seasons, knowing that overwhelmed staff resort to stashing overflow packages wherever they fit in hallways, offices, or other unsecured spaces.
Communication Breakdowns
Delayed notifications equal extended vulnerability. When residents don’t know that their packages have arrived, deliveries sit unattended for hours or even days. Properties still using clipboards and sticky notes for package logging struggle to keep up during rush periods, creating ideal conditions for theft.
Proven Strategies to Prevent Package Theft
Adequate package security isn’t about finding one solution — it’s about layering innovative strategies that work together.
Package Lockers
The days of dumping packages into an open mail room are over. Modern solutions range from simple security upgrades to sophisticated systems that would impress any tech enthusiast.
Package lockers have become more popular over the last ten or fifteen years, with some residents even moving to buildings with dedicated solutions. The best systems deliver automated text alerts when packages arrive, detailed logs of every delivery, weatherproof construction for outdoor placement, and 24/7 availability for day and night pickup.
Keep in mind that installation can be an expensive investment. Mechanical systems break down, and those fixed compartments mean that oversized packages still require additional space. During peak seasons, even large locker banks fill up fast, which can cause overflow into less secure areas.
How to Reduce Package Theft in Apartments with AI Solutions
The latest innovation combines artificial intelligence and computer vision technology. Packages of all shapes and sizes are stored on open shelving behind an access-controlled door for maximum capacity, while precision tracking technology “keeps an eye” on all packages. Think of it as giving your package room a photographic memory.
These systems track every package from the moment it arrives until a resident picks it up, with no physical compartments needed. Residents get simple QR codes and PINs instead of downloading yet another app. The system records a complete visual record and digital breadcrumb trail of every interaction, providing ironclad security.
The table below compares how the traditional and modern solutions approach security:
| Security Approach | Traditional Lockers | Computer Vision Systems |
| Package Capacity | Limited by compartments | 3x that of lockers in the same space |
| Handles Oversized Items | Often can’t accommodate | Any size, shape package fits into the room |
| Ongoing Maintenance | Locks, motors, doors | System software updates |
| Evidence Quality | Basic access logs | Full visual, digital documentation |
| Resident Experience | Another app to manage | Simple PIN and QR code access |
Video Monitoring and Access Control
Intelligent monitoring and access control create a security net that catches problems before they escalate. However, implementation quality distinguishes effective systems from mere decorations.
Camera Strategy That Works
New York City’s innovative LockerNYC program offers valuable insights into how surveillance can be done correctly.
One of the fundamentals of camera strategies is to have overlapping coverage that eliminates hiding spots. Each camera should overlap its neighbor’s view so that there are no blind spots for thieves to exploit. Motion-triggered LED lighting serves double duty — improving video quality and startling would-be thieves. Focus extra attention on bottlenecks like doorways and passages where everyone passes through.
Access Control That Makes Sense
Modern access systems do more than keep doors locked; they create digital paper trails that prove invaluable when investigating incidents. Innovative implementations grant delivery drivers time-limited access during business hours while locking down tight after dark.
Forward-thinking properties feature dedicated delivery entrances, which funnel all packages through monitored checkpoints. When integrated with package management systems, access control automatically logs who delivered what and when, creating accountability at every step.
Resident Education and Signage
If residents don’t do their part, then even sophisticated technology can be ineffective. Properties that invest in education see dramatic improvements in package security.
Effective communication begins with clear and friendly signage that motivates action and builds a security-first culture. You can consider signage notes like, “Packages left over 7 days will be returned.” Regular touchpoints keep security top of mind; monthly email tips prove useful, especially during shopping seasons.
Smart properties weave security awareness into the resident experience from day one. Welcome packets include package tips alongside parking passes. Some communities gamify security by offering recognition programs to residents who consistently follow protocols or report suspicious activity.
The Power of Neighbor Networks
Properties where neighbors know each other experience significantly fewer thefts. It’s simple psychology that strangers stand out when residents recognize their neighbors. Some buildings designate floor ambassadors who keep an extra eye on package areas during peak times.
Digital platforms supercharge these connections. Residents can instantly alert neighbors about suspicious activity or coordinate package help during vacations. These networks prove especially powerful in smaller properties where personal connections form naturally.
Long-Term Solutions That Build Trust and Safety
Lasting package security requires strategic thinking. The most successful properties develop comprehensive approaches that evolve with changing needs.
Navigating the Tech Landscape
The security industry evolves rapidly. Traditional lockers excel in predictable environments with standard package sizes. Computer vision systems shine in high-volume settings with diverse deliveries. Hybrid approaches that combine multiple technologies are well-suited for complex properties with varied needs.
The key to navigating the tech landscape is to match technology to your specific situation. Consider building layout, resident demographics, package volumes, and budget to find the right solution.
Policy Frameworks That Work
Even the best technology needs solid policies to succeed. Effective frameworks address crucial areas like delivery windows and procedures, notification methods and timing, unclaimed package protocols, and incident response plans. The key is balancing security with convenience since overly restrictive rules often have the opposite effect, where residents find workarounds.
Measuring What Matters
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Data-driven properties track key metrics that reveal security health:
- Theft rate
- Package dwell time
- Resident happiness
- False theft claims
- System reliability
Regular analysis reveals patterns, such as whether Fridays see more theft or if specific areas require extra coverage. This intelligence guides smart resource allocation and policy tweaks.
Package Security FAQs
Why Is Package Theft Rising in Apartment Buildings?
The boom in online shopping does not align with buildings that were designed for a different era. We have 21st-century delivery volumes in 20th-century infrastructure. There are also some professional theft rings that may specifically target apartments. They know the combination of high package volumes, limited security, and resident anonymity makes apartments vulnerable.
What Solutions Work to Stop Theft?
A layered approach is often best. Start with physical security, as access-controlled rooms always beat open shelves in unlocked rooms. Implement electronic systems for tracking and accountability, whether that involves lockers or newer, AI-powered solutions. Combine technology with resident engagement and clear policies can help you see effective results.
Are Package Lockers Better Than Open Shelving in an Access-Controlled Package Room?
Any secure storage is better than leaving packages in the open. Traditional lockers provide solid security for standard deliveries but struggle with oversized items and peak volumes. Access-controlled package rooms with open shelving offer similar security without size restrictions. Your best choice depends on package volumes, available space, and the needs of the residents.
How Do Access Control Systems Reduce Risk?
Access control eliminates anonymous entry. When everyone entering package areas must authenticate, casual theft becomes much riskier. Modern systems generate detailed logs showing exactly who accessed areas and when. Visible security solutions can significantly reduce crime by removing easy opportunities.
What Role Does Resident Behavior Play in Theft Prevention?
Resident behavior makes or breaks any security system. When residents grab packages promptly, there’s less to steal. Active communities where neighbors watch out for each other create an unwelcome environment for thieves. It’s about creating a culture where everyone plays a role in defense.
What Are Some Quick Security Wins You Can Implement Today?
You can implement several effective security measures quite easily:
- Install motion-sensor lighting in all package areas
- Post delivery hours signage at all entrances to set clear expectations
- Create a resident text group for package alerts
- Designate overflow zones with clear “Temporary Package Storage” signs
- Start a simple Excel log to track theft patterns and peak delivery times
- Add mirrors to eliminate blind spots in package rooms
- Schedule monthly “Package Security Coffee Hours” to build neighbor connections
Secure Your Packages, Enhance Your Community
Package theft in apartments isn’t an unsolvable challenge — it’s a problem that forward-thinking properties can address strategically with the right combination of technology, policies, and community engagement.
Property managers today face a critical decision point. Rather than continue with dated approaches that leave packages vulnerable, you must implement comprehensive security measures that transform package management from a daily challenge into a competitive advantage.
The difference between properties that take package security seriously and those that don’t is becoming increasingly apparent in occupancy rates, resident satisfaction scores, and online reviews. Success requires an honest assessment of current vulnerabilities followed by strategic implementation of solutions tailored to your property’s unique needs.
Whether through traditional lockers, advanced AI-powered systems, or a hybrid approach, the key is taking decisive action before theft problems escalate and damage your property’s reputation.
Ready to Eliminate Package Theft at Your Multifamily Property?
Our Smart Package Room experts have helped hundreds of multifamily apartment communities achieve theft reduction while improving resident satisfaction. We understand that every property faces unique challenges, which is why we offer complimentary security assessments that identify vulnerabilities and recommend tailored solutions for your specific situation.
Is package theft costing you time, labor hours and renewals? With our Smart Package Room® system, you get a free consultation to learn how our Smart Package Room technology can transform your package management from a frustrating liability into a must-have amenity.
Contact the Smart Package Room team now to join the growing number of properties that have made package theft a problem of the past.