Ordering online is quick and convenient but package theft is a concern. A survey by Safewise found that over 64% of consumers in the United States experienced package theft in 2021, a 36% increase from the previous year and over 53% of those surveyed reported multiple packages stolen during that period.
Package theft happens all year long but increases during the Christmas season when more people are ordering online.
So, what can we do to prevent porch pirate theft?
Install Security Cameras & Video Doorbells
Security cameras and video doorbells don’t prevent theft from happening, but they can act as a deterrent. They also provide a way for you to record and monitor the activities that take place outside of your home. By using a smartphone app, you can see real time video footage of what is taking place, record video and communicate with the person at your door. You can also share the video with the police department if a crime occurs.
Install Outdoor Motion Sensor Lighting
Deliveries don’t just happen during daylight hours, Amazon for example delivers packages between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. While motion sensor lighting cannot prevent theft it does make your home more unappealing to intruders. The lighting also alerts you to movement outside of your home and allows you to more easily view what is happening.
Ship Packages to the Store
If the website you order from has a store near you have the package shipped to the store instead of your home. When you pick up the package from the store the retailer will require identification and proof of purchase before handing over the package.
Use the Amazon Locker Program
If you place an order with Amazon, you can have the order shipped to an Amazon secure locker location. The lockers are self-serve kiosks located in cities around the United States. When you choose the Amazon Locker option you will receive a security code used to open the locker to retrieve your package. You can also use the lockers to return items to Amazon.
When your package is delivered to the locker, Amazon will send you a delivery notification with instructions on how to pick up your order. The email will include the address and business hours for the location. You will have three days to pick up your package, if you don’t pick it up during that time it will be returned to Amazon and you will be issued a refund. Amazon Prime members receive free shipping to the locker, non-Prime customers pay a standard shipping fee.
In Home Delivery
Amazon offers an in home or in garage delivery service. You home or garage must be compatible to use the service.
Walmart offers an in home or in garage delivery service as well. They will place the package inside of your home or garage. Again, there are compatibility requirements.
Deliver to your Workplace or to a Friend or Family Member
If you are allowed to receive deliveries at work have packages shipped there. Many packages are delivered between 9-5 while most of us are at work. Or if you have a friend or family member that is home during the day and they don’t mind receiving your package, have it delivered to them.
Curbside Pickup
You can place your order online and schedule a time to pick it up at the store. An employee will load the packages into your vehicle for you.
Provide Delivery Instructions
Sign up for an account with UPS, FedEx, and USPS. When you log into your account you can specify that the package be left in a specific location such as your back door or another location where the package is less likely to be seen and stolen.
These delivery services also allow you to have deliveries sent to another address, place a hold if you will be away from home and schedule the delivery for a different day. You can also have the package delivered to one of their local stores or to a local business they partner with such as a grocery store or pharmacy.
Track Your Packages
FedEx Delivery Manager, UPS My Choice, and USPS Informed Delivery all offer text, email and app alerts so that you can track your delivery. Some delivery services even include a photo when the delivery is made.
Require a Signature
Many online retailers and delivery services allow you to require a signature when the package is delivered, so someone would have to be there to receive the package. Some merchants require this, especially for expensive items like computers and cell phones.
Ask a Neighbor to Receive your Package
If you have a neighbor that you are close with, consider asking them to watch for your delivery and keep your package for you until you arrive home.
Don’t Leave Packages Unattended
Since you are able to track your package, you will know when it has been delivered. If you are not home at the time maybe you can run home to put the package inside or ask someone else to pick it up for you.
You can also try to schedule the delivery for a time when you know someone will be at home.
Use a PO Box
If you receive a lot of deliveries but are not at home to receive them, consider getting a PO Box at your local post office. This provides a secure location for packages and mail to be delivered.
Use a Parcel Locker or Designated Delivery Area
If you live in an apartment or complex that provides residents with a parcel locker have the package delivered there, some buildings also have designated delivery areas that are more secure.
Use a Secure Lockbox or Mailbox
Purchase a lockbox for your porch. Find one that can be bolted down. These provide a secure location for package delivery. You can purchase one that can be controlled by a smartphone app and you can provide the delivery driver a code to unlock the box and leave the package securely inside. These not only provide a safe way to have your packages delivered they also protect the package from outside elements such as rain and snow.
You can also purchase a secure mailbox for smaller packages and your daily mail. Your postal carrier deposits the mail in the box and a key is needed to open the mailbox to retrieve the mail.
Insure Packages
If you are purchasing an expensive item, consider paying for insurance. You can purchase insurance through the vendor or delivery service.
Steps to Take if a Package is Stolen
Check With Neighbors
The package may have been delivered to the wrong address. Check with your neighbors to see if the package was delivered to them by mistake.
Contact the Retailer
Notify the retailer that the package was stolen. Depending on their policy they may offer some compensation for stolen or lost packages, for example if you purchased from Amazon, they offer an A to Z Guarantee which can cover a refund on lost, damaged or stolen orders. Amazon A to Z Guarantee
Contact the Shipper
File a claim with the shipping company. This can be done online.
Contact your Credit Card Company
Most credit card companies offer some type of purchase protection that may cover stolen items when the purchase was made using their card. There may be a time limit to file a claim so contact them right away.
The Tech Minimalist 