How To Protect Your Packages From Porch Pirates?

Christmas time is approaching fast, as well as the stress associated with buying Christmas presents.

If you’re a fan of online shopping, you can certainly avoid the pre-Christmas madness in shopping malls.

Nonetheless, it would be best if you were careful not to tease the porch pirates with the packages you receive.

Let’s take a look at 10 tips on how to protect your deliveries from porch pirates.

First things first. Let’s answer the main question:

Who is a porch pirate?

A porch pirate is a slang expression for a thief who steals packages or parcels left outside the doors. Just like kleptomaniacs, they cannot resist an opportunity to take away any packages they see lying on porches.

How to protect your parcels from porch pirates?

The truth is, there is no ‘right’ way. But it is possible to prevent porch pirates. You can use smart storage lockers or unique porch lockboxes instead. If you work 9 to 5, have your packages delivered to work. You can also ask your neighbors to pick up your deliveries. Read 10 tips on how to prevent theft by porch pirates.

10 tips on how to stop porch pirates

1) Use package tracking

Most delivery companies offer package tracking. You can enter the package number into the delivery company’s unique website and instantly get information on where your package is. Don’t hesitate to rush home as soon as a notification about successful delivery comes to your cell phone.

2) Install a security camera

Video doorbells or floodlight security camera app are a great help. They make it easy for you to monitor when and who delivered your package to your porch. You can also see whether any unwanted people are hanging around your house. 

Suppose you also have Motion Detection or Recordings activated on these security cameras. In that case, you’ll be immediately alerted to unwanted movement on your porch, and cameras will start recording immediately.

3) Use smart storage lockers

Smart storage lockers (such as Amazon Hub) are growing in popularity with users. Many retailers (grocery stores, pharmacies, or convenience stores) offer delivery to secure boxes where you can pick up your packages (by scanning a barcode or entering a numerical code). The number of these boxes is constantly expanding to make them easily accessible to most of the population.

4) Activate Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery

This unique service from Amazon is only available in the US for now. With Amazon Key, Amazon employees can deliver your package directly to your garage. When the delivery driver comes to your garage door, he scans your package for one-time access to your garage.

Once your delivery is complete, the driver cannot open the door again. This way, your packages will be out of sight of would-be thieves.

5) Buy a porch lockbox

Buying a porch lockbox may seem more expensive at first glance, but if you use parcel delivery services a lot, this will be an excellent investment. Many companies have started manufacturing special lockboxes that you can easily place on your porch.

You hand the delivery driver a code to open the lockbox when you order delivery. This way, your package will be safely stored, and no unauthorized person can access it. Some of the most popular porch lockboxes are Danby Parcel Guard or BenchSentry.

6) Request a signature on delivery

FedEx or UPS offers a signature-only delivery option. With this service, you can be sure that someone in your family will accept the package. If the delivery guy can’t reach someone at home, he will take the package back and try to deliver it the next day or leave it at some secure pick-up destination.

7) Choose the right delivery time

Many delivery companies offer you the option to choose your delivery time. If this is the case, carefully plan when you will be home and select this time in the e-shop before submitting your order. If there is a change in your schedule, try to contact the carrier and try to arrange a change of delivery time. Often a few kind words will do the trick.

8) Have packages shipped to your office

Consider having packages delivered directly to your work. If you have a standard 9-to-5 work week, most delivery drivers can reach you and hand-deliver the package. If not, they can leave the package at the reception office or mailroom. In this case, the package will be much safer than on your front porch.

9) Give instructions to delivery drivers

You can give the delivery driver special instructions before completing your e-shop order. For example, you can tell him to hide your parcel behind a large planter or under the stairs. Even better, he can place it directly into a security camera range – so you can see if the parcel is already at your place.

10) Ask your neighbors

If all else fails, ask your neighbors if they would accept the package instead of you. This may be a little old-fashioned, but if you have a great relationship with your neighbors, take advantage of this option. In return, you can offer your neighbors the same – you can collect their packages if you need to.

Conclusion

• Plan to stay home to pick up your packages from the delivery drivers.
• Have your packages shipped to your office or smart storage lockers.
• Track your shipment, so you know where it is at that moment.
• Give some instructions to delivery drivers about where to place your package.

Porch Pirates – FAQ

Are you interested in tip No. 2 – Install a security camera? We have a solution for you! And it means you can invest in security cameras later – you only need two mobile phones to create a simple home security camera system! 

Install the ZoomOn home security camera app on two mobile phones – one phone will serve you as a security camera, and the other will become your monitor. This way, you can create a simple camera system that you can use, for example, to keep an eye on your pet, watch your baby, or monitor the interior of your home!

After installing the app, you can choose a 3-day free trial version (if you choose an annual subscription). The trial version will give you plenty of time to test the app inside out and get a feel for the main features – Motion Detection, Night Vision, Recordings, Zoom In/Out, Smart Notifications, or Low-Battery Alert.

And sure thing – the ZoomOn app is available for both iOS and Android users!

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