Protecting Your Shipped Packages from Theft
An estimated 23 million Americans have had packages stolen, but the good news is that you can protect your shipped packages from theft by following some simple steps.
It’s frustrating when you order a product but never receive it. You may spend hours on the phone, trying to determine what happened to it.
But when you check the tracking, you notice the status says “delivered,” leaving you to believe that thieves stole it.
Unfortunately, incidents such as this are all too common, especially around the holidays.
1. Specify a Delivery Date and Time
Many online retailers allow customers to specify a date and time to have their package delivered.
Rather than choosing the soonest date and time possible, choose a time when either you or a member of your family will be home.
By receiving the package in person, there’s a much lower risk of it someone stealing it.
2. Don’t Leave Packages Sitting Outside
I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should bring packages inside as soon as possible.
The longer a package sits on your front entry area, the greater the risk of it being stolen.
Some thieves will even follow shipping trucks, and once they drop off a package, they will immediately steal it from the customer’s doorstep.
Some retailers and shippers allow you to enter special instructions for the driver.
If you have an area near your front door that is somewhat hidden from the street, even behind furniture or a big potted plan, ask that packages be left out of sight whenever possible.
3. Increase Lighting
Another helpful tip to discourage package theft is to increase the lighting around your home. Thieves may target homes that are poorly lit, using the darkness as a source of concealment.
A motion-sensing floodlights, however, can illuminate your porch anytime someone approaches. Even if you’re not home, a neighbor might notice the light turning on and investigate.
4. Video Surveillance
Of course, video surveillance will discourage package theft as well. If your front entry area is being recorded by video cameras, thieves may think twice before stealing your package.
Combined with access control systems such as a locked gate, video surveillance is a highly effective way to protect against package theft.
5. Reroute Packages to Local Post Office
You might be surprised to learn that all of the major shipping service providers allow customers to have their packages rerouted to a local mail office.
So instead of having your package shipped to your home, you can ship it directly your local post office.
In addition to offering greater security, opting for package rerouting such as this may offer other benefits, such as email or text notification when your package arrives.
Contact your local post office for more information about this service.
Another option is to have packages shipped to your office and then you can just bring them home instead of having them deposited on your doorstep while you are at work.
6. File a Mail Theft Complaint with the USPS
If you ship a package to work and it is stolen, you can file a mail theft complaint by clicking this link and following the on-screen instructions, or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
The Postal Inspection Service will conduct an internal investigation into the matter, contacting you only if more information is needed. Other shippers such as UPS and FedEx offer similar services.
Let Us Help!
Need some help deciding how to better protect your home? We can help! Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online.
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