Prevent Package Theft

09-24-2020

If you live in an urban environment and even many suburbs you know that package theft is a constant concern. There’s nothing worse than ordering something from Amazon and then having the box stolen off your front porch because it got delivered while you were at work. UPS and FedEx are notorious for just leaving packages and not even ringing the doorbell or knocking before they sprint back to their truck so they can drop off more packages to your neighbors. This leaves little opportunity to collect the package before the thieves show up, even if you are working from home.

Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent package theft

Use a Doorbell Camera

The latest and greatest doorbell cameras will send you an alert any time someone approaches the door. This means you will get notified even when the delivery person doesn’t ring the bell or knock on the door. You can also pull up the video and see who is out there. You may even be able to talk to the delivery person or whoever is there at your door. If that’s the case, then you can also yell at the thief as he steals your package, hopefully scaring him off before he gets away with the loot. If you want one of these home security systems please contact Affordable Home Security.

Use a Box

Get a plastic box large enough to hold your deliveries in and park it on your front porch. Then post a note telling the delivery people they should drop your packages in the box. If the packages out of sight, they’re out of mind and less likely to get stolen. If you don’t have room for a box on your porch, try around the corner, behind a bush, or anywhere else packages can be delivered that is out of sight. You will need to alert the delivery drivers and tell them where to place the packages, or they won’t do it.

Have It Delivered Elsewhere

Lockers

Amazon has set up a bunch of secure delivery sites where there are lockers installed. They put your package in the box and send you a code to open the door. These are commonly located just inside grocery stores, convenience stores, and places like that. 

Stores

Some retail stores will also accept deliveries on your behalf, ask around. In my neighborhood, Ace Hardware does this for free. They're hoping you might be inclined to buy stuff while you're there. Other businesses are set up to accept packages as part of their business model. The UPS Store will rent you a mailbox and also sign for any packages and hold them for you securely until you can pick them up

Neighbors

If these options don’t work, try a neighbor who is usually home all day or have it delivered to your place of work. Put your nosey neighbors to work for you.

Your Work Place

Most offices won’t mind when you explain to them why, just make sure your packages are all safe for work.

If none of those options works for you, security cameras are probably your best bet.

Security Cameras Can Help to Catch Package Thieves

If you can’t get your packages delivered elsewhere and you can’t find a way to hide your packages when they are delivered and you can’t be home all the time, you really need to get at least one security camera. Even if you have your packages delivered to a box on your porch or hidden somewhere, you need that camera pointed to where it can observe anyone trying to steal the packages. There are thieves that follow around FedEx and UPS trucks for the sole purpose of stealing the delivered packages. If you can’t prevent the theft, you can at least help the police to arrest the thieves. Many jurisdictions have programs where the police can be provided with access video captured by your security cameras. If that’s not available, then your local police will probably have a procedure set up to easily get a copy emailed or uploaded to them, so they can review the video and possibly identify the thieves. Help the police catch these jerks and get them arrested so they won’t be able to steal any more packages. If you need help selecting or setting up a Home Security system that includes at least one security camera. Please contact Affordable Home Security right away.