News – Sheridan Media
As online shopping increases during the holiday season, the Sheridan Police Department is reminding residents to take extra steps to protect delivered packages. SPD Captain Tom Ringley said many gifts arrive during daytime hours when no one is home, creating easy opportunities for thieves who look for unattended boxes on porches and doorsteps.
According to the Safewise 2025 U.S. Package Theft Report, porch theft cost American consumers an estimated $15 billion from November of 2024 to November of this year. The cost to retailers topped $22 billion in the same time period, according to data collected by ZFLO Technologies, a loss prevention innovator and e-commerce research company. Add those up and the overall economic impact from stolen packages is at least $37 billion over the past year alone.
Ringley explained that packages left in plain view can become attractive targets for bad actors. He encouraged residents to track delivery status online and arrange for a trusted neighbor to pick up packages when possible. He added that some residents may prefer to pick up items directly from the distributor, especially if they know they will not be home when deliveries arrive or the package is valuable.
Capt. T. Ringley
According to Ringley, communication among neighbors is one of the simplest ways to cut down on theft. By watching for unfamiliar individuals on a property and helping each other retrieve packages, he said the community can reduce the risk of stolen holiday gifts. Ringley emphasized that a little coordination can go a long way in keeping property secure this holiday season.
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Last modified: December 4, 2025