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Prime Day brings great deals but also increases the risk of package theft. Porch Pirates often target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and is easily visible. Follow these tips to avoid becoming a victim of porch pirates!
Related: 9 Black Friday Shopping Tips for Simpler Shopping Experiences
Prevent Package Theft
Install a Smart Doorbell Camera
A smart doorbell with a camera like Ring or Nest allows you to monitor your front door. You’ll get alerts when someone approaches and can see live video. This lets you spot potential thieves and even speak through the doorbell to deter them. Save video clips to submit to the police as evidence.
Use Package Lockers
Some smart doorbell systems offer secure porch lockers so you can have packages delivered instead of leaving them exposed on your porch. The delivery person scans and deposits the package into the locker, and you get a notification and unlock code to retrieve it. This keeps deliveries secure until you pick them up.
Leave Delivery Instructions
Instruct delivery services to leave packages somewhere discreet instead of in plain view. For example, ask them to place it behind a planter or under a covered porch out of sight from the street. This prevents passersby from being tempted by seeing an obvious package.
Require Signatures
You can request that deliveries require a signature confirmation. This means the delivery person must hand it directly to you or another person at your home over the age of 18 to complete the delivery. This prevents a package from being left unattended.
Use Security Cameras
Installing security cameras allows you to monitor all angles of your home even when you aren’t watching. This not only deters potential thieves but provides video evidence to help prevent package theft if it occurs.
Get a P.O. Box
Renting a P.O. box at your local post office gives you a secure alternative delivery address. Packages won’t be left vulnerable on your doorstep but will be held safely at the post office for you to pick up with a photo ID during open hours.
Schedule Deliveries
When ordering online, select delivery windows when you know you’ll be home. Don’t have packages delivered on your busiest days out of the house. Coordinating with your work schedule reduces the number of hours packages sit unattended.
Ask Neighbors to Watch for Deliveries
Asking a trusted neighbor to watch for deliveries is an easy way to help prevent package theft during busy Prime Day shopping. They can either hold your package until you get home or place it somewhere less visible, like the side/back door.
Improve Porch Lighting
Install motion sensor porch lights that illuminate when someone approaches your door. Good visibility deters thieves and enhances security camera footage at night. Well-lit porches also help delivery drivers place packages in safer spots.
Use Pickup Lockers
Retailers like Amazon allow you to select centralized pickup locker locations near you. Once delivered to the locker, you’ll get a pickup code via email or scan a barcode in your Amazon app to retrieve your package. This helps to prevent package theft from the porch and gives added convenience.
What To Do If You Discover that a Delivered Package has Been Stolen
First, contact the seller and delivery service to report the theft and request that they start an investigation; many will work with local law enforcement. Also, file a police report so there is an official record to reference later. If available, check your doorbell camera or security system footage to see if the criminal was captured on video and provide that to the police.
You can also sign up for theft alerts in your neighborhood through apps like Nextdoor, so you’re aware if other local residents also experience package thefts. With multiple reports, police can increase patrols in the area.
Amazon also has information on what to do if you think your package has been stolen. Visit the Amazon website for more details.
Implementing proactive measures and remaining vigilant are key to stopping porch pirates and learning how to prevent package theft, especially during the spike in deliveries from Prime Day shopping. With some simple planning and proactive measures, you can have peace of mind when ordering online and reduce the risk of becoming the victim of porch pirates. Take the necessary precautions to protect delivered packages so you can fully enjoy your Prime shopping experience.
Thanks for these tips.