Stopping Porch Pirates in their Tracks
So many things are different in 2020. One thing that sadly does not to seem to have changed is the porch pirates stealing packages! With online holiday shopping expected to be reach new highs this year (Digital Commerce 360), there will be even more opportunities for these thieves to grab delivered packages right off the porches of unsuspecting residents.
Recent surveys have shown that between 30-40% of online shoppers have had packages stolen. But the good news is that you can protect your shipped goods from theft by following some simple steps.
1. Specify a Delivery Date and Time
Many online retailers allow customers to specify a date and time to have their packages 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. In some cases, you can also request that a signature be required for delivery.
Whenever possible, request notifications on your shipments that alert you when they are on their way and actually delivered.
Many delivery services have a similar route each day, and you can predict around when the packages will show up. Be on the lookout for the delivery truck during that window. You can take the items straight from the driver.
2. Don’t Leave Packages Sitting Outside
The longer a package sits on your front entry area, the greater the risk of it being stolen. If you can’t grab it right away, at least try to keep it hidden from view. 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, even behind furniture or a big potted plant, ask that packages be left out of sight. You may be able to specify back door drop off as well.
But even when you are home and available to receive your package, sometimes the thieves barely let it hit the porch. They follow shipping trucks, and once they drop off a package, they will immediately steal it from the doorstep.
If you will be out of town when packages are scheduled to arrive, ask a neighbor to bring them inside for you. This will reduce the tempation for opportunists. You also don’t want people to think the house is empty if the packages stay out there for a couple of days.
3. Increase Lighting
Another helpful tip to discourage package theft is to increase the lighting around your home. During the holidays, delivery services are busy and may drop off after dark. Thieves may target homes that are poorly lit, using the darkness as a source of concealment.
A motion-sensing light can illuminate your porch anytime someone approaches. This is often enough to startle someone who was making their way to your porch and send them on their way.
4. Video Surveillance
Having visible video cameras should deter theft off your porch. If thieves think they are being watched or recorded, they may think twice before approaching. Many package thieves have been recorded on the video doorbell of the homeowner. The doorbells notify based on motion, so the homeowner is able to speak to them and try to scare them off. They will also have footage of the crime to share with the police.
5. Have Packages held at the Local Facility
Shipping services allow you to have your packages held at their facility instead of being delivered to your home. If the local office is close to your home, you may consider using this will call functionality to keep your packages safe.
Amazon now also offers the Amazon locker option for your packages from them. You just select the locker address as your delivery address and they will deliver to that location and send you instructions for accessing the locker. Amazon lockers are located at Whole Foods stores and some banks, gas stations, cell phone stores and other locations.
Let Us Help!
Cultris Security Systems can help you set up automated lights, a video doorbell or video surveillance to keep your shipped packages safe. Call us at 281-506-8466 or visit us online.
