Preventing porch pirates from stealing your deliveries

As the holiday season nears, the joy of gift-giving can be overshadowed by the fear of package theft. With thieves lurking around, your carefully chosen presents can disappear in a flash, leaving you feeling frustrated and disappointed. In 2023, a staggering 119 million packages were reported stolen, meaning that one in every 180 deliveries vanished without a trace.

These unfortunate heists have made cities like Seattle, Memphis, and San Diego hotspots.

You're not alone if you've ever experienced package theft during the holiday season. Don't worry, we've got some tips to help you avoid the headache. Let's explore them.

Tip 1: Get security cameras

Before anything else, it's recommended to install security cameras at home. A reliable camera system can greatly aid in deterring thieves. If your local police department responds effectively to porch pirate package theft, consider positioning your video doorbell to capture the face of the thief and your package deliveries. A video doorbell can send notifications to your phone whenever someone or something approaches your door, even if they don't ring the doorbell.

We installed wireless cameras on tree limbs near the street at our house to record license plates if necessary for police purposes. I can configure them to send notifications when they detect people or cars.

To ensure clear vision and night vision capabilities, look for high-resolution video when shopping for cameras. Motion detection is crucial for alerting you if someone approaches your front door. Two-way audio allows you to communicate with anyone at your door, whether it's a delivery person or an intruder. Don't forget about cloud storage for easy access to footage whenever you need it. Here are my top six picks for the best outdoor security cameras.

If your camera has the feature, set it to notify you when it detects packages in the frame.

Tip 2: Use tracking apps

Ensure you utilize tracking apps for your deliveries as many shipping companies provide such services that enable you to monitor your package's journey from the warehouse to your doorstep.

With USPS Informed Delivery, you'll receive digital previews of your mailbox's contents and be able to set up email or text alerts for delivery updates. Some retailers also provide photos of delivered packages for added reassurance.

Tip 3: Make sure someone is home

Discussing delivery timing, it is crucial to have someone present to receive packages as soon as they arrive. However, this can be challenging as many deliveries occur during work hours. If feasible, consider working from home on days when significant packages are expected. If that's not an option, coordinate with friends, family members, or roommates to ensure someone is always available to retrieve the delivery promptly.

Tip 4: Coordinate with your neighbors

Strengthening community ties can be a powerful tool in preventing package theft. Joining neighborhood watch programs like Neighbors or Nextdoor can provide valuable alerts and updates on suspicious activity. These apps often feature posts from neighbors who have experienced package theft and may even share images or videos of the suspected thieves. Additionally, forming agreements with trusted neighbors to keep an eye on each other's packages can greatly enhance security. There is power in numbers, and by working together, we can create a safer and more secure community.

Tip 5: Have the package delivered somewhere else

If home delivery is too risky, consider alternative delivery options that offer more security. Many people choose to have their packages sent to their workplace if allowed; this way, they’re less likely to be stolen than sitting on a porch all day. Retailers often provide secure pickup points where you can collect your packages at your convenience. Renting a P.O. Box or using services that hold packages for pickup at local shipping facilities are also great options for those valuable items.

Tip 6: Request a signature confirmation

To prevent package theft, you can request a signature confirmation for your deliveries. This ensures that the delivery person will not leave the package at your door unless someone signs for it. Most delivery services, including FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL, offer this option. Although it may cost extra, it can provide you with peace of mind that your package will not be stolen.

Tip 7: Send to remote pick-up locations

Amazon has hundreds of secure lockers and pick-up counters across the country, which are free for Prime members. You can see how far away the nearest Amazon Locker is located from your home.

To retrieve your package after delivery, click on "Change" next to your shipping address and then select "Find a pickup location near you" to see your options. You'll receive a notification or email with a code to retrieve your package from the locker or pick-up point. Some items can also be returned at these locations.

Tip 8: Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

We added a smart garage controller and signed up for Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, which allows us to securely place Amazon deliveries in our garage. To use this service, we simply select Key Delivery when checking out on Amazon. Additionally, we appreciate the ability to block access to our garage at any time, as the driver does not need our garage code and access is only granted for their one-time delivery.

Tip 9: Provide a delivery box

Another excellent choice is to purchase a delivery box that enables secure package drop-off and concealed storage. However, ensure to inform delivery personnel about the box's usage and operation.

Tip 10: Sign up for delivery notifications

You will receive a text notification from both FedEx and UPS when a package arrives at your doorstep, and Amazon will also send you a shipment text to inform you of a package delivery.

To set up Amazon delivery notifications, follow these quick steps.

• Log on to the Amazon site
• Go to Your Account section
• Scroll down to the Communication and Content section
• Tap Shipment Updates via Text
• Follow the on-screen instructions, tap Subscribe

Kurt's key takeaways

To ensure a worry-free gift-giving experience during the holiday season, consider taking simple actions like installing security cameras, using tracking apps, and coordinating with neighbors. By doing so, you can protect your packages from porch pirates and ensure that they arrive safely at your doorstep.

Have you ever had a package stolen? If so, how did you handle the situation, and what lessons did you learn? Please share your experience with us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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