Part of the joy of the holiday season is the seasonal decor and giving (and receiving) gifts. The last thing you want is a Scrooge sneaking up and stealing presents from your doorstep. Thieves who take deliveries—also known as porch pirates—are especially active during the holiday season when more high-dollar, desirable packages are sent to homes. Installing one of the best home security systems will help deter would-be thieves, but you shouldn’t stop there. Here are some other helpful steps you can take to protect your packages.
According to a recent report from Security.org, 49 million Americans were victims of package theft during late 2020 and 2021. Of those stolen packages, the average value was $50. However, there are other times when the products are sentimental and priceless, which is why it’s wise to always take measures to keep packages from being stolen.
Here’s the thing: Porch pirates are opportunistic. They generally work quickly, swooping in to get a package before moving on—meaning they usually don’t spend too much time poking around. By putting some simple measures in place, you can protect packages from porch pirates during the holiday season and beyond.
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How to Protect Packages From Porch Pirates
From being strategic when you are ordering presents to putting systems in place at your home to fend off porch pirates, there are some simple ways to help ensure that holiday presents end up in the right hands.
1. Have a Visible Security Camera on Your Porch
Although it doesn’t work in every case, some would-be thieves may think twice about stealing a package if they realize they are on a security camera or a porch light camera. Don’t aim to conceal that you’re catching them on tape, either: Keep your security camera or video doorbell visible to all who approach. Then, even if someone is still bold enough to steal, you will have video evidence to pass along to police.
2. Leave Instructions to Conceal the Package
When you’re placing an order, many websites or delivery services allow you to add comments for the delivery driver. Use this chance to suggest an out-of-sight location for them to place your items, such as hidden behind porch furniture or inside a porch box. Because porch pirates are opportunistic, it’s less likely that they will take time to poke around if there isn’t a visible package.
3. Use a Porch Lock Box
For added security with your hidden packages, consider investing in and installing a porch lock box or smart mailbox. Then, when you order an item, provide the code information for your delivery driver. With most lockboxes or smart mailboxes, you either need your own code or key to retrieve the packages. The added benefit is that the deliveries are protected from the elements until you’re able to get them.
4. Follow Package Tracking
If you want to safely get your packages inside as quickly as possible, knowledge is power—so it helps to keep a close eye on the tracking details to know when you can expect the package to arrive. Although some porch pirates can swoop in right after a package is delivered, the smaller their window of opportunity, the better your chances.
5. Require a Signature for Delivery
If you are regularly home and available when deliveries are made but aren’t always sure when they will be dropped off, you can require the delivery driver to get your signature in order to leave the item. That way, the driver won’t just silently drop your package off and leave—offering an opportunity for porch pirates.
6. Coordinate With Neighbors
If you’re out of the home during the day, connect with a trusted neighbor who can help keep an eye out for any deliveries. In general, active neighborhood involvement is a deterrent for porch pirates: Someone is less likely to steal from a porch if other neighbors are out walking, tending to their homes or shoveling their sidewalks.
7. Get Packages Delivered to Your Workplace
If you work outside the home, it’s likely you’re there for eight or more hours a day—which are also prime hours for home deliveries and porch pirates. In this case, your best bet is to use your office address when placing orders.
8. Request Deliveries to a Pick-Up Location
From Amazon Lockers to P.O. Boxes to FedEx or UPS pick-up locations, most deliveries can go directly to a central, secure location. Although this isn’t as convenient as receiving packages at your home, it can boost your peace of mind. Especially if you’re expecting a high-value delivery, a sentimental item or you live in an area with high rates of porch piracy, this extra step can keep you protected.
9. Bonus: Tell Recipients When to Expect Deliveries
Around the holidays, many of us send deliveries or gifts directly to recipients. As pleasant as it is to get a holiday surprise, it is wise to give your loved ones a heads up with the details of when to expect the package—or ask ahead of time if they have any requests for where the package should be delivered.
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THIS IS AN ADVERTIsem*nT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisem*nt, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.
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What to Do If You Have Stolen Holiday Packages
If you suspect you (unfortunately) fell victim to a porch pirate, you may have some recourse: First, check with neighbors to see if your item was mistakenly delivered elsewhere. Then, confirm with the delivery company where your item was delivered. Many delivery companies now require drivers to take pictures showing where the package was deposited.
If you receive confirmation your package was delivered and now there is no trace of it, report the theft to the sender and delivery company. In some cases, the sender or company will be willing to offer a refund or replacement. If not, you can contact the credit card company you used to learn if you have protection.
Finally, if you have the theft on camera, you can share the evidence with the authorities. Porch pirates often strike multiple times, so your footage may even be able to help police identify a suspect who has stolen before.
