Almost 26 million Americans say they’ve had a package stolen from a porch or doorstep during the holidays, according to a 2017 survey. And even though it’s not holiday season anymore, porch pirates are still doubtlessly taking advantage of the balmy weather to cruise around neighborhoods, looking for packages to snatch. Here are some ways to protect your orders from thieves.
The US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, and Amazon all allow you to track your packages from the retailer to your doorstep. If it’s possible, try to keep abreast of where your package is, and try to be home on its delivery date. Certain services, like the postal service’s Informed Delivery app, will text or email you once a package is delivered.
Another surefire way to thwart porch pirates is to have packages delivered to your office. Commercial security systems are often more secure and of nicer quality than residential security systems. Commercial buildings also often have better-quality surveillance cameras posted both inside and outside.
If porch theft is becoming a severe issue for you, and if there’s a FedEx or UPS convenient to your route to and from work, one option is to pick you your package directly from the sender. FedEx will hold your package for pickup at one of its FedEx Office locations or at Walgreens. Packages sent via UPS can be picked up at a UPS facility, diverted to a UPS Store, or even delivered on a day that’s more convenient for you
Porch pirates are most likely to strike when they see a package sitting out in the open. If they can’t see a package from the street, they’re far less likely to walk up to see what they can grab. Large planters, a thick column, landscaping elements, and solid furniture can obscure packages from curbside view. You could also request that the package be left at the back door, not the front.
Security cameras and video doorbells won’t prevent thieves from coming onto your property, but they will gather evidence which you can use to stop them from coming back—and in all probability, save other victims as well. If you live in the Charlotte area and need security cameras, gate access controls, or other home security solutions, be sure to call James Access Controls for a free installation estimate!