The holiday season is upon us which means people across the country will be doing a lot of online ordering with packages being delivered to homes. Unfortunately, this the time of year porch pirates come out of the wood works to start stealing your kid’s and family’s gifts. Being proactive to stop these thieves is important as it helps deter potential thieves. Here are a few ways you can help stop or deter these porch pirates from taking your packages this holiday season.
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Safe delivery
Many delivery services provide the option for safe and secure delivery. The top delivery companies like FedEx, UPS and USPS all allow you to customize your delivery options. You can easily choose specific drop off locations, like behind the bush beside your home or under the rug and much more to keep packages hidden. Many of the companies you choose to purchase from also allow options to keep your packages secure in lockers or secure pick-up locations. These areas are away from the home and require a pin number to unlock a locker to acquire your package.
Have someone stay at home
If possible, always have someone at home to receive your packages. Many delivery services allow for tracking and delivery alerts sent to your phone via email or text message, so you know when a package is going to arrive. Having a family member, even if it just your kid, accept the package helps keep the package safe in the home instead of sitting on your doorstep for hours. Another option is having packages delivered to your workplace if you don’t have someone at home to accept the package. This is easily done, and most business owners don’t care this time of year. They know what is going on and they don’t want your packages sitting outside for hours at a time either. It is always best to ask if you can get a personal package delivered to your place of work beforehand.
Install doorbell cameras
Doorbell cameras are a great option for any home. Jason Fischbeck, President of Automated Environments, says doorbell cameras are the best and cheapest way you can keep your home safe from porch pirates. “Installing these cameras is very easy, Fischbeck says. Doorbell cameras are the easiest security option any homeowner can install to keep packages safe at your doorstep.”
Doorbell cameras are easily accessible to buy from many big box stores and are simple to install. Once you have the app on your phone you have the option to see what is happening at your door 24 hours a day making your home safer along with knowing your packages are safe.
Talk to neighbors
Your neighbors can be a great source of information and valuable allies when it comes to porch pirates. Speak with your neighbors during this time of year. Let them know you have packages arriving and at what time. They might not keep an eye out for it being delivered but your neighbors know what happens around the area and who should be there and who shouldn’t. Consider joining application groups on your phone like Nextdoor to speak with neighbors digitally so everyone knows what is happening in your community. Having neighbors look out for each other greatly lowers the risk of porch pirate thieves during this time of year.
Following these few tips will help keep your holiday deliveries safe from potential porch pirates. Being prepared as the holiday season arises will help keep your gifts safe allowing you to have a great holiday season with your friends and family.
Author: Bill Herzog is the President of LionHeart Security Services in Tempe, Arizona. LionHeart Security Services has been helping commercial and residential property owner with high quality security services for over three decades.
