Buzz
Anyone who has shopped online or used meal delivery services has likely encountered—or at least worried about—package theft. Even if you diligently track your deliveries and have never had a package taken from your doorstep, the stress of receiving a delivery notification while away from home is all too familiar. This leaves your valuable items vulnerable to porch pirates.
Package theft is a widespread issue due to its low-risk and minimal effort required. According to a 2022 study, 14% of people have experienced package theft at least once, with an average loss of $112—a significant amount. As online shopping continues to grow and more employees return to in-person work, this problem persists and shows no signs of disappearing.
While it’s clear what steps to take after a package is stolen, avoiding the ordeal altogether is preferable. To prevent or at least hinder porch pirates in your neighborhood, here are some practical strategies to safeguard your deliveries.
Switch the delivery location
The simplest and most efficient method to protect your packages from porch pirates is to have them delivered to a location other than your unattended home. If you frequently receive deliveries and are often away, consider setting up a permanent alternative address as your default delivery spot.
You have several choices available:
Use an alternate address. Opt to have your packages sent to a place other than your residence. This could be a trusted neighbor, a family member who is usually home, or even your workplace if you can easily transport the packages afterward. Some retailers, such as Amazon, provide options like Amazon Locker for secure pickups, making it worthwhile to explore these alternatives.
Employ a package-receiving service. Depending on your location, services like GoLocker can accept and hold your packages until you’re ready to retrieve them—or even deliver them to you at a scheduled time.
Enable in-home deliveries. Several retailers now offer programs that allow delivery personnel to access your garage for secure drop-offs. For instance, Amazon Key and Walmart’s InHome require you to install a smart garage system and grant access to the retailer. Delivery staff can then open your garage, leave your items, and secure the area afterward. (This option requires a level of trust in granting access to your property.)
Products worth considering:
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Utilize all available tracking options
Online orders typically come with multiple tracking options. Most deliveries provide at least a basic notification upon drop-off, but many services offer real-time tracking, displaying the delivery truck’s location on a map. Enabling all tracking methods—such as email and text alerts—and keeping the app or website open on your device ensures you know exactly when your package will arrive, allowing you to arrange for someone to receive it.
Another strategy is to include specific delivery instructions when placing your order. You can suggest a discreet hiding spot or an unconventional delivery point, like a side door. While there’s no guarantee the delivery person will follow these instructions, it’s worth a try.
Seek assistance from neighbors
Living in a community means sometimes relying on each other’s kindness. Do you have neighbors who work from home or are usually around during the day? They might be willing to accept packages for you. Even if you’re hesitant to ask directly, creating a neighborhood group on platforms like NextDoor can help everyone look out for each other’s deliveries. For instance, my wife and I have become the go-to package handlers on our block because we work remotely and are often available to collect packages for others. Sometimes, having a few reliable friends nearby is all you need.
Set up security cameras
One of the most straightforward ways to deter package theft is by enhancing your porch security. While a persistent thief might still attempt to steal, these measures can significantly reduce the risk, especially if you’re a frequent target. Consider the following options:
Home security systems. Systems like SimpliSafe or ADT can alert you via text or email when someone approaches your porch. Some even allow you to view a live video feed and communicate with the person, potentially scaring them off. Products like Ring doorbells offer similar features, notifying you of visitors and enabling two-way communication.
Motion-activated lights. Installing floodlights that activate when someone approaches can deter suspicious activity, especially if packages are left overnight or during early sunsets.
Security bags and boxes. Items like the Porch Pirate Bag can be bolted or wired to your home. Delivery personnel place packages inside and lock them, making it much harder for thieves to access your items without significant effort and noise.
In this era of constant deliveries, it’s essential to step up your efforts and devise strategies to safeguard your purchases. The alternative—returning to in-store shopping only when you have the time—is far from appealing.
