Show of hands — how many reading this blog have had a package stolen after being delivered? You aren’t alone. In fact, 23 million Americans experience package theft each year at an average value of $106 in stolen goods.* Porch pirate traps aside, we’re sharing 7 ways to thwart porch pirates and keep your packages safe and sound.
7 Tips for Preventing Package Theft & Porch Pirates
What is a porch pirate, you ask? Porch pirates (as they’re commonly known) scope out and steal vulnerable packages left by doors or on front porches. Most package thefts occur during the day when people aren’t home. Read on for some simple steps that you and your family can take to help prevent package theft.
How to Stop Porch Pirates
- Install security cameras
- Invest in a video doorbell camera
- Use a P.O. box or Amazon Locker
- Ship your package to your office
- Request a signature
- Use your garage to your advantage
- Ask for a neighbor’s help
1) Install Security Cameras
Not only can security cameras provide a more comprehensive home security system, they can also deter package thieves. 83% of burglars reportedly check for an alarm system before attempting a break-in.** So, even if a porch pirate is foolhardy enough to disregard the camera (or doesn’t see it), you’ll have footage of your culprit that can be used to file a police report and help catch the thief. With the video proof that your package was stolen and not misplaced, you can also begin communicating with the vendor about possible reimbursement.
When shopping for your ideal security camera, there’s a lot to consider. Be sure to look for a camera with the latest features, like the CPI Outdoor Security Camera. Not only does this camera allow you to keep an eye on your packages and property, but you can also speak to anyone in the camera’s field of vision. It also includes our new Perimeter Alert feature that lets thieves know they’re being watched with an audio and visual alert once they’ve been detected. That’ll send them running from your property.
2) Invest In a Video Doorbell Camera
Another option for monitoring your packages and deterring local pirates is to invest in a Video Doorbell Camera. Not only are these video doorbells an obvious recording device, but many have a two-way talk functionality. This means that not only can you keep an eye on your packages and see who’s on your doorstep, you can even speak to them through the device.
ALL NEW: Now, CPI’s Video Doorbell Pro features Perimeter Alert to deter porch pirates. Package Delivery and Retrieval Alerts mean you’ll always know when your package was delivered or picked up.
3) Use a P.O. Box or Amazon Locker
If your front porch or landscaping doesn’t work for deliveries, you may want to consider renting a P.O. Box. These are available at your local post office and allow delivery services to drop off packages there. This keeps your vulnerable packages off your porch and away from potential thieves. The only downside is that you need to make a trip to the post office to pick up the package. But this is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of your packages.
Amazon offers customers a similar option for package delivery: Amazon Lockers. With these lockers, your package is sent to an off-site location where you can then pick it up using a unique access code. Amazon Lockers are usually located at grocery stores like Whole Foods, convenience stores, and other high-traffic areas. Check Amazon for the closest locker to your location.
4) Ship Your Package to Work
Having the packages delivered to your place of work is another convenient solve to combat porch pirates. Most workplaces let employees receive packages at the office. Check with your employer to see if they’ve approved this benefit. This is especially helpful when you know that you’ll be away from your home when the package is delivered. Having it sent to work prevents your purchase from sitting on the porch for hours.
5) Request a Signature
If you’re tired of your packages being casually left on their own, select the “request for signature upon delivery” option, if possible. This means that your delivery person must get a signature before delivering the package. The upside: you are able to receive your package the moment it’s delivered. The downside? You have to physically be home when the package is delivered.
6) Use Your Garage to Your Advantage
Sometimes preventing porch piracy is as simple as providing your delivery person with an alternate location to leave your package. Porch thefts tend to be crimes of convenience. The thief wants to quickly run up, snatch the box, and run off before they are seen. By introducing even small barriers, you can deter the average porch pirate from making you a victim. Of all alternate package drop-off locations, your garage is one of the most secure. If you have a CPI Garage Door Controller, you can use your app to remotely open and close your garage door at any time. Simply access the device through your inTouch™ app to allow a delivery person, or friend, to leave the package in your garage.
Speaking of friends…
7) Ask for A Neighbor’s Help
Consider asking a neighbor to be your package buddy. Offer to keep an eye out for packages left on their porch and ask them to do the same. Obviously, pick a neighbor you can trust. You also want to choose a neighbor with a direct line of sight to your package drop-off location. You can make this arrangement even easier for you and your neighbor by using a CPI Smart Lock. Smart Locks allow you to create a unique code for your neighbor. That way they can unlock your door, place the package inside, and lock your door again when they leave.
What to Do About Stolen Packages?
If you were unable to stop your package theft, it can be hard to know what to do. Each seller has their own unique process. If a package was stolen and you don’t have a camera that captured the culprit, there are still a few options. Contact the seller as soon as possible to let them know what happened. Then file a claim for a replacement or refund. Many companies are willing to refund your credit card or send a replacement item, especially Amazon.
Porch Pirates, Beware!
If you find yourself a repeat victim of porch piracy, we recommend investing in at least one of the above recommendations. A little prevention can go a long way towards keeping your packages safe. For more information on all things safety, security, and innovation, visit the CPI blog to learn more.
Sources:
*Parcel Pending, “Top 5 Scary Facts About Package Theft and How to Prevent It.”
**Forbes Advisor,“6 Surprising Home Burglary Facts And Stats.”
