Tis the season to appreciate delivery drivers. As the holidays approach, the number packages delivered to homes is sure to increase. Shopping online is a simple way to find exactly what you are looking for, stay on a budget, and never have to brave a busy shopping center. But with increased deliveries, porch pirates are increasing as well. Here are some practical steps to keeping your packages from being stolen.
Optimal Timing
One of the first things to consider is timing the delivery for a day when someone will be home. It’s not always possible, but being available to grab the package swiftly will decrease the likelihood of theft. Additionally, use the provided tracking information to track the packages. Some companies will send text alerts and can tell you when your package is just a few stops away. If you are gone most days, see if you can have the delivery driver put it in a location not visible from the street or even have it delivered to a friend or relative’s house who is always home.
Secure Delivery
When you know you will have a particularly important or expensive gift, set up delivery to require a signature. This guarantees that the package will not be delivered unless it is directly to you or a family member. If signatures are not feasible, there are a few other ways to reduce theft. These involve the delivery driver. For example, smart locks set up with a temporary code or even a porch lockbox can give the driver a spot to secure the package that no one else can access.
Security Systems
Install security cameras and/or smart doorbells to capture your porch. This will allow you to have a visual of anyone who takes something from your porch or even captures suspicious cars or people in the neighborhood. Some have two way talking capabilities to catching would be porch pirates off guard. Finally, assemble a neighborhood watch or group understanding to look after one another’s deliveries and keep an eye open for suspicious activity.
There is no guaranteed way to stop thieves, but there are ways to reduce your likelihood of being a victim. Always make sure to follow a few safety steps to ensure that your gifts end up under the tree where they belong.