A report from the independent review site SafeWise estimates 260 million packages delivered to houses and businesses were stolen in 2022, an increase of 210 million from the previous year, according to the Washington Examiner.
"Package thefts, unfortunately, are on the rise, perhaps in part because of the increase in online shopping that started with the pandemic in 2020," Teresa Murray, an associate of the Public Interest Research Group, told CNBC on Sunday.
"This could be in part because many folks have returned to offices at least part time this year, compared with the last two years. And, since everyone knows there's an avalanche of deliveries this time of year, there's every reason to believe the bad guys use this as an opportunity."
During the pandemic, SafeWise says online sales rose to 16.4% of all retail sales, up from 11.9% in the previous quarter. SafeWise said the cost of package thefts in 2022 is estimated to be about $19.5 billion.
To reduce package thefts, the guide recommends consumers have their packages delivered to a secure Amazon locker or have a trusted neighbor pick up the packages. Consumers suspicious of package theft also are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
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