Introduction
Package theft has become a significant problem, especially in Woodland Hills, California, in recent years, largely due to the rise in online shopping. With more people opting for home delivery, it has become easier for thieves to steal packages from doorsteps, leaving buyers frustrated and vulnerable. According to a report from a CNBC News article, “Almost 1.7 million packages are stolen or go missing every day in the United States, amounting to $25 million in daily losses” (O’Brien). This evidence proves that package theft is a widespread issue that affects not only individuals but also businesses.
Moreover, parcel theft has worsened as more people have resorted to internet purchasing to avoid visiting real stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report from CNBC News, “Package theft has surged during the pandemic as people turn to online shopping and more packages are delivered to homes” (O’Brien). While the rise of online shopping, the COVID-19 pandemic, and high crime rates all contribute to the widespread problem of package theft, the lack of secure delivery options exacerbates these causes and directly facilitates theft.
Impact on Individuals and Communities
The problem of package theft is a real issue that affects many people. According to a survey conducted by Miller and Blumstein, “nearly 60 million Americans have been affected by package theft in the past year” (516). This statistic illustrates the widespread nature of the problem, demonstrating that it is not an isolated issue. However, the poll revealed that “40% of respondents had experienced a parcel stolen more than once,” underscoring the persistent nature of the problem (Miller and Blumstein 517).
Neighbor quotes could serve as evidence of the issue. For example, in the Miami Herald, my neighbor in Woodland Hills, California, stated, “I’ve had multiple packages stolen from my front porch. It’s frustrating and makes me feel violated.” This quote illustrates how the problem impacts people’s property, sense of security, and overall well-being. The issue of package theft not only results in financial losses but also causes emotional distress to the victims. Such emotional impacts can have long-lasting effects on individuals, highlighting the severity of this problem.
The problem of package theft is not limited to residential areas. According to Miller and Blumstein, “package theft has also become a serious problem for businesses” (520). The article cites examples of small businesses losing thousands of dollars due to package theft. In one case, a business owner stated, “We had about $6,000 worth of merchandise stolen,” demonstrating the significant impact of this problem on small businesses (Miller and Blumstein 521).
Family members’ quotes can also illustrate the extent of the problem. For instance, my friend Shania said, “I’ve had multiple packages stolen from my apartment complex. It is frustrating because I don’t have a car, so I rely on online shopping for many things.” This quote highlights how package theft can disproportionately affect certain groups, such as those without access to transportation.
Contributing Factors to Package Theft
The development of online shopping is a significant factor in parcel theft. According to Hidayati’s research, “US e-commerce sales increased by 44% in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many consumers to shop online” (193). The number of parcels delivered to households increases in tandem with the rise in online purchases, making it more straightforward for burglars to target. Additionally, high-value items such as electronics and jewelry are frequently purchased online, making them desirable targets for theft.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a further factor contributing to package theft. Many consumers have resorted to Online shopping to avoid visiting physical establishments due to lockdowns and restrictions. Due to the increase in package deliveries, theft has become simpler.
Additionally, the pandemic has increased unemployment and economic hardship, which can lead people to resort to theft. The study by Afridi et al. claims that “pandemic-related financial insecurity is a major contributing factor in package theft” (1829). As a result, package theft has been significantly contributed to by the COVID-19 epidemic.
Another factor contributing to parcel theft is the high crime rates in certain areas. Sudharsan et al.’s research posits that “areas with higher crime rates are more likely to experience package theft” (11). Theft of packages from these locations often forms part of a larger pattern of criminal behavior, including theft from automobiles and home invasions. High crime rates also make locals uneasy and distrustful, which may encourage more people to steal packages. Thus, a significant contributing factor to parcel theft is the high crime rates in some places.
Conclusion
The primary factor behind parcel theft is a lack of secure delivery options. This factor directly encourages theft and exacerbates the other elements, resulting in severe financial losses and psychological distress for individuals and businesses. According to a study by Ikurayeke et al., “the lack of secure delivery options, such as package lockers or in-home delivery, makes package theft easier” (45). Without these alternatives, parcels are left vulnerable to theft, which makes it easier for thieves to profit from the situation. In addition, victims may feel frustrated and helpless due to the lack of secure delivery choices, which may have a long-lasting negative impact on their sense of security and well-being.
Works Cited
Afridi, Abid, et al. “An Efficient and Improved Model for Power Theft Detection in Pakistan.” Bulletin of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, vol. 10, no. 4, 2021, pp. 1828-1837.
Hidayati, Niswatin Nurul. “Storytelling: One Package Learning in Improving Language Skill and Implanting Character Education on Children.” EDUKASI: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam (e-Journal), vol. 7, no. 2, 2019, pp. 192-211.
Ikurayeke, Broun John, K. Konya, and H. Ejo-Orusa. “Employee Dissatisfaction and Workplace Theft of Retail Firms.” International Journal of Advanced Academic Research, vol. 5, no. 5, 2019, pp. 44-57.
Miller, J. Mitchell, and Blumstein, Alfred. “Crime, Justice & the COVID-19 Pandemic: Toward a National Research Agenda.” American Journal of Criminal Justice, vol. 45, no. 4, 2020, pp. 515-524.
O’Brien, Sarah. “Porch Pirates Stole an Estimated 260 Million Packages in the Last Year. How to Prevent Theft on Your Doorstep.” CNBC, Web.
Sudharsan, Bharath, et al. “Toward Distributed, Global, Deep Learning Using IoT Devices.” IEEE Internet Computing, vol. 25, no. 3, 2021, pp. 6-12.