Updated February 2026
Lost and stolen packages are one of the most expensive and frustrating problems in last-mile delivery. Beyond the direct cost of reshipments and refunds, they damage customer trust and increase support workload. As e-commerce volumes grow and doorstep delivery becomes the norm, package theft (“porch piracy”) and misdelivery have become persistent risks.
Industry reporting shows that package theft continues to be a widespread consumer concern, with doorstep theft rising alongside home delivery volumes (Security.org, 2025). Meanwhile, logistics analysts highlight that better delivery visibility and verification are critical to reducing loss in last-mile operations (Supply Chain Digital, 2025).
This is where AI in delivery operations plays a practical role: not as a futuristic concept, but as a set of tools that improve visibility, verification, and exception handling across the delivery journey.
The Main Causes of Lost or Stolen Packages
Before solving the problem, it helps to understand where losses happen:
- Porch piracy (packages left unattended)
- Misdelivery (wrong address, unit, or building)
- Lack of proof of delivery (POD)
- Unclear delivery windows (customer not home)
- Limited real-time visibility for customers and dispatch teams
Research into last-mile delivery challenges consistently points to visibility gaps and failed first attempts as key drivers of loss and customer dissatisfaction (Supply Chain Digital, 2025).
How AI Reduces Package Loss and Theft
1) Smarter Delivery Verification (AI-Enhanced Proof of Delivery)
AI-powered delivery apps support photo proof of delivery, signature capture, and location verification. Computer vision can help ensure photos meet quality standards (clear image, correct location), reducing disputes and fraudulent claims.
2) More Accurate ETAs and Customer Notifications
When customers know exactly when a package will arrive, they’re more likely to be available to receive it. Predictive ETAs and proactive notifications reduce unattended deliveries, which are the most common targets for theft. Consumer studies show that visibility into delivery timing significantly affects customer confidence and satisfaction (Salesforce, 2024).
3) Geofencing and Location Validation
AI systems can validate that deliveries occur within the correct geofence (correct building or drop zone). This helps prevent misdeliveries and supports faster investigation when disputes occur.
4) Pattern Detection and Risk Scoring
Over time, AI can identify high-risk delivery locations, time windows, or routes associated with higher loss or theft rates. This enables operational adjustments such as:
- Requiring signatures in high-risk areas
- Avoiding unattended drops
- Scheduling deliveries when customers are more likely to be present
5) Real-Time Exception Detection
AI can flag anomalies—such as unusual dwell times, repeated failed attempts, or route deviations—that often correlate with delivery issues. Early detection allows dispatch teams to intervene before a package is lost.
Where AI Makes the Biggest Impact
How AI Improves Customer Trust (Not Just Loss Prevention)
Reducing lost packages isn’t only about cutting costs—it’s about protecting the customer relationship. Customer experience research consistently shows that post-purchase delivery experience strongly influences repeat purchase behavior and brand trust. When customers receive accurate delivery updates and clear proof of delivery, disputes decrease and satisfaction increases.
How Koorier Helps Prevent Lost or Stolen Packages
Koorier applies AI-driven delivery technology to reduce loss and theft through:
- Verified proof of delivery (photo and signature capture)
- Predictive ETAs and proactive customer notifications
- Geolocation validation of delivery events
- Exception monitoring to flag risky delivery scenarios
- Standardized driver workflows to reduce execution errors
Together, these capabilities improve first-attempt success, reduce unattended drops, and create a clear audit trail for every delivery—helping businesses minimize both loss and customer disputes.
Practical Steps You Can Take Today
- Offer delivery time windows and notify customers before arrival
- Require photo or signature POD for high-value items
- Identify high-risk delivery locations and adjust delivery rules
- Track loss rate per route or zone
- Use delivery analytics to spot repeat problem areas
Reduce Loss Without Slowing Down Delivery
Lost packages erode margins and customer trust. AI-driven delivery verification and visibility help businesses protect both—without sacrificing delivery speed.
Request a shipping quote and learn how Koorier helps reduce lost and stolen packages.
Author & Authority
By Giovanna Freitas
Marketing specialist at Koorier
About Koorier
Koorier is a Canadian logistics technology company specializing in regional last-mile delivery networks and real-time delivery visibility for retailers and enterprises.
FAQs: Preventing Lost or Stolen Packages With AI
How does AI reduce package theft?
By improving delivery timing accuracy, enabling proactive notifications, and reducing unattended deliveries that are most vulnerable to theft.
Can AI prevent misdeliveries?
Yes. Geofencing, photo proof of delivery, and route validation reduce wrong-address and wrong-unit deliveries.
Does proof of delivery really reduce disputes?
Yes. Photo and signature POD provide objective evidence, reducing fraud claims and speeding dispute resolution.
Is AI useful for small delivery teams?
Absolutely. Even small teams benefit from fewer losses and lower support costs with AI-driven verification.
Do customers need special apps to benefit?
No. Most benefits come from better delivery timing, notifications, and verification on the backend.
