Package theft is an increasing problem. Package thefts have reached a record-breaking 1.7 million packages lost or stolen each day in the United States. This statistic results in a 25-million-dollar loss of goods and services daily, according to a report shown on CNBC.com from C+R Research in January 2020. Parcelending.com reports that “1 million homeowners have had a package stolen in the last year, according to August Home and a study produced by research firm Edelman Intelligence. And 74% of packages are stolen from homes during the day.” Package theft increases during the holiday season; COVID-19 and our current financial crisis could elevate the number of package thieves even higher during pirate holidays, like Christmas. However, there are package theft solutions for how to prevent package theft and how to stop porch pirates. Here are 10 steps you can take toward porch pirate prevention, helping to minimize the risk of porch thieves and package theft at your home.

1) Security Company

Opt for a security company to deter porch pirates. Companies like ADT, SimpliSafe, and more, will install or provide instructions to install doorbell cameras, smart locks, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, motion lights, and an alarm system. The security system will connect to your security provider and if triggered, your security provider will contact you, and, if necessary, the authorities.

2) Post Signs

A little secret, posting a sign that reads your home is protected under neighborhood watch, video surveillance, a security company, or angry attack dogs (i.e. your teacup poodles), can help to deter porch theft, even if that sign isn’t 100% true (no one has to know).

3) Video Cameras, Spotlight Cameras, Video Doorbells, & Motion Sensors

You can opt for installing your own video cameras to protect your home against porch pirates. Many agree that the best surveillance cams for 2020 include Ring, Wyze, Google Nest, Arlo, and Logitech. Ring makes a nice spotlight camera, and so does Arlo. According to reviews, the best video doorbells for 2020 are made by August, Ring, Google, and SimpliSafe. Most video cameras, spotlight cameras, and video doorbells are already motion sensors and can be set to activate when someone steps onto or passes by your front porch.

4) Anti-Theft Package Box for Porch

There are several package delivery lock box options that can go on your porch. A heavy, weatherproof parcel box, porch locker for packages, or porch box for deliveries will keep your packages safe and help to eliminate porch pirates. Suggested brands for parcel boxes or porch boxes include Keter, Barska, dVault, Qualarc, CleverMade, DoorBox, and Architectural Mailboxes. Take a look, a porch package box or porch lock box may be right for you!

5) Amazon Key & Smart Technology

Was your Amazon package not delivered? Maybe your Amazon package was delivered to the wrong address or, worse yet, you have a stolen Amazon package. Amazon Key is an app that connects to your smart home products and even your car, allowing for safe contactless delivery. You can opt to have your Amazon product put directly inside your front door, inside your garage, inside the trunk of your car, and more. The app integrates with WiFi garage door openers and smart locks for a seamless and theft-free delivery.

If you have smart locks for your front door and garage door in conjunction with a motion-activated video camera or video doorbell, you can have a notification set up for when a package handler or delivery driver arrives. When the mail carrier arrives, you can open your door remotely so they can set the package inside and then lock the door remotely. My door is set on a timer to lock two minutes after someone closes it. Alternatively, you can use a keypad door lock and provide your code – these codes can be changed regularly for maximum safety.

The Amazon stolen package policy is typically in your favor. If you have a lost or stolen package, reach out to them, they will do their best to replace or refund your item.

6) Send Your Packages to a Safe Location

If you can’t be at home to intercept your package, you can have it delivered to your office or sent to a friend or family member. You can also choose ‘Hold for Pickup’ or ‘Hold at Location’ options for a UPS package, a USPS package, and a FedEx package to collect your package at one of their many locations. Only the US Postal Service will deliver to a PO Box. Amazon also offers many remote pickup locations, including various stores and Amazon lockers.

You can even do a USPS vacation hold, UPS vacation hold, or FedEx vacation hold if you are out of town, to prevent a USPS stolen package or stop a stolen UPS package or stolen FedEx package. For Amazon, you can schedule the exact date that your package arrives to avoid a stolen Amazon package.

7) Schedule Delivery Times When You’re Home

With multiple shipping options and delivery services, you have the ability to schedule a package for when you will be home to intercept it.

8) Track Your Packages

There are numerous services that offer text alerts, email alerts, and app or web-based tracking for your packages. Most companies or carriers will give you the ability to track your package minute by minute on their website. Some companies offer additional resources, including FedEx Delivery Manager, UPS My Choice, and USPS Hold Mail.

9) Provide Delivery Instructions & Require a Signature

Leave detailed delivery instructions when you have a package delivered. For example, you can have your delivery person leave your package in a hidden location around your home, so porch pirates don’t see it, like behind a plant or in the garage. You can also require that someone signs for your package when it’s dropped off to ensure a responsible party is there to intercept it. If you require a signature for your package, it will not be left unless someone is home or a doorman is there to sign. You can choose a video doorbell with a two-way intercom to allow for verbal approval.

10) What to Do if Your Package is Stolen

If a package shows it has been delivered, but you don’t see it, ensure your shipping address was correct. Check around your home. Ask the members of your household first and then ask your neighbors. Sometimes a package will show delivered 36 hours before it arrives. If it’s clear that there is no package, reach out to the company directly. In some cases, the company will contact the shipping service and see if your package is still in transit or it has been lost. In cases of a lost or stolen package, many businesses will issue a refund or ship a new item out. You can also file a claim with the company or shipping carrier.

For more useful tools for the 2020 holiday season and throughout the new year, go to brookhollowcards.com.