How To Stop Packages From Getting Stolen
Everyone has seen the videos of thieves caught on camera stealing packages right off of doorsteps. It’s a sad reality, but this has become more common with the rise of online orders. That’s why countless people want to know how to stop packages from being stolen.
The best ways to stop packages from getting stolen are to set up cameras and request the “sign upon delivery” option. You can also put packages on “vacation hold” while you’re out of town, so they don’t sit there out in the open. It’s a great idea to set up tracking updates to quickly grab your package when it’s delivered and avoid theft.
Ask someone to bring in your mail and packages while you’re out of town to avoid problems. Follow along as we explore how to stop packages from being stolen off your porch.
How To Protect Your House From Porch Pirates
1. Provide Specific Instructions
Many online retailers let you provide specific instructions for deliveries. For example, you can request they put the package in a specific location so that it’s out of the sunlight. Include a note and ask them to drop the package off in a discreet location at your house.
Think of spots on or near your porch that would be hard for a potential “porch pirate” to find. Keep in mind that it has to be visible enough that the package carrier can find it. You can even leave something like a cushion out and request they put it on top of the package to hide it from being seen from the street.
2. Mount Cameras
Security cameras work wonders to stop packages from getting stolen. Of course, some people are still willing to steal packages when they’re on camera. However, the camera will at least provide evidence in case someone steals your package.
Make sure the camera is in an obvious spot, so the potential thief can see it. It’s also a great idea to pick a camera that has motion-activated floodlights. This will scare thieves away if they try to steal your packages at night.
The number of cameras you'll need ultimately depends on your home’s size. Generally, 2-6 cameras are enough for most homes, but even one is enough if you only want to cover your porch.
3. Use A Pick-Up Location Instead
It’s all too convenient to have packages delivered to your house. Sadly, there is an increase in people stealing packages, so it’s not always practical to have things delivered to your home. You can avoid that problem altogether if you have packages delivered to a pick-up location instead.
Major carriers, such as UPS, Amazon, and FedEx offer pick-up locations for many deliveries. It’s not as convenient, but it’s a great way to stop packages from getting stolen.
4. Place The Delivery On Hold
Are you out of town and think that a package will arrive at your house during vacation? If so, it’s a great idea to ask the delivery service to place your delivery on hold. “Vacation holds” let customers ask package carriers to keep packages at their facilities until they return.
That way, you don’t have to worry about porch pirates stealing your package while you’re on vacation. Provide a date for when you get back and plan to accept your package. This will provide peace of mind during your trip as you’ll know your packages are safe.
5. Turn On Tracking Updates
It’s easier than ever to keep track of your packages from the time you order them to the time they arrive. You can typically sign up to track a package once you receive a shipping confirmation email from the retailer. They let you sign up for updates with a phone number or email address.
You can choose whether you want continual updates, or simply a single update when it arrives. That said, it helps to track the package continually. This will give you a good idea of the expected time window for the package's arrival. Now all you have to do is simply stay nearby and pick up the package when it arrives.
6. Hire A House Sitter
Your house can quickly become a target if you receive packages while you’re out of town. Never leave your house unattended if you expect mail and packages while you’re on vacation. Instead, hire a house sitter to hold onto your mail and packages until you get back.
Otherwise, you can simply ask a family member or a trusted neighbor to pick up your deliveries. Pay attention to tracking updates and let your house sitter know when the package arrives so they can quickly retrieve it.
7. Install A Lock Box
Smart lock boxes have made it much easier for homeowners to protect their packages. They provide a haven for mail and packages that you can only access via an entry code. Luckily, you can include a note and tell the delivery service the code so they can access the lock box.
Nobody will be able to access and steal your package unless they have the code for the lock box. However, it may be a good idea to change the access code after the delivery is completed. That way, you won’t have to worry about the courier accessing the lock box again.
8. Request A Signature
The best way to guarantee nobody will steal your package is if you only agree to accept the package if you sign for it. Most delivery services include this option, but of course, you must be at home. This makes it tricky to navigate if you have a busy work life or social schedule.
Carefully look through your delivery options at checkout and select this as your preference. They will bring the package back to their facility if you’re not able to sign for it upon delivery. The carrier may attempt to deliver it the following day, or you may have to pick it up.
9. Put Up Signs
Even something as simple as a “beware of dog” sign can help deter thieves from stealing your packages. Many homeowners even put up ADT signs and other visual reminders that the property is monitored. Granted, signs aren’t guaranteed to stop thieves from stealing your property upon delivery.
10. Talk To Your Neighbors
You may not be the only person in your neighborhood who has had their packages stolen. Speak to your neighbors and let them know about what you’ve been experiencing. You can even post a message if your neighborhood has an online community, such as a Facebook group.
There’s a chance that the thief even lives in your neighborhood. In that case, the thief would be quite reckless to keep stealing your packages after you make a public statement about it. Encourage your neighbors to put up Ring video doorbells to protect themselves as well as others in the subdivision.
There’s even a chance that the courier simply dropped the package off at one of your neighbors' homes by accident. In that case, your neighbor should bring the package to your house. However, you may have to ask around the neighborhood until you get it back.
What Should You Do If Someone Steals Your Package?
File a police report if someone steals your package and you have video evidence to support your claim. The police department can take it from there and use your footage as evidence. You must also contact the seller and the delivery fulfillment company, such as UPS.
Sellers often refer buyers to the package carrier itself. However, the seller may be responsible if the package gets stolen or doesn’t arrive. It depends upon their policy and whether or not the delivery is insured. You may be able to get a refund, or the seller may send another product free of charge.
Summing It Up
Put cameras on your porch and front door to stop packages from being stolen. Make special requests about where the carrier should drop off the package, so it’s harder for thieves to see and find them. It also helps to set up a lock box and give a code to the carrier, so only they can access it and protect your packages.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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