If you order packages from Amazon and other popular retailers, you’re probably aware of the chance of porch pirates, or thieves grabbing your stuff right when it’s delivered. CNET’s own survey say 1 in 4 adults in the US have had packages stolen or know someone who has.
“Delivery was meant to be convenient — but with porch theft like it is today, it’s anything but,” says Hyve Security. “Getting a notification that a package has arrived is supposed to bring peace of mind. Instead, it brings panic.”
I don’t think you should ever panic about a delivery, so I’ve tested all kinds of home security devices, many made for your porch and front door, in a quest to find the best proven ways to stop and discourage porch pirates. Along the way I’ve uncovered some innovative answers — here are my favorites.
1. Take advantage of package tracking
Every major delivery company and the US Postal Service now gives updates on when a given package will arrive. In most cases, you can track its progress and see when it’s been placed on the truck for delivery. Finally, the tracking will be updated when your package has been delivered.
The simplest way to avoid porch pirates is to use this tracking information to quickly retrieve your package once it’s delivered. If you’re not able to be home during the delivery, you can have someone else keep an eye on your doorstep that day. Limiting the time between delivery and retrieval is a simple, straightforward way to avoid porch piracy.
2. Install a video doorbell
Video doorbells are becoming an increasingly popular way of protecting homes. Brands like Ring, Arlo and Nest sell doorbells that double as home security cameras. When someone rings the doorbell, you can see a live video feed and hear what your visitor is saying. And the camera allows for two-way audio, meaning you can talk to whomever is on your porch.
Having a doorbell security camera can benefit you in a few ways. First, burglars and thieves tend to be discouraged by security alarms. Someone thinking of stealing your package might see the security camera and think again.
In addition to deterrence, many of these video doorbells come with motion sensors and a notification system, which sends an alert when someone is on your front porch. With AI detection, many can also identify packages and let you know when a package has arrived — or when a package is suddenly no longer detected — all seconds after it’s happened.
Thanks to how popular these doorbell cameras have become, they’re widely available at competitive prices. You can easily find a great one for less than $150.
3. Get your packages delivered to pickup locations
We know it involves an extra trip, but because you can’t always be home for a package arrival, arranging for a pickup location instead works well — especially for more expensive items.
For example, when you order from Amazon, you have the option to choose a pickup location instead of your address, including any available Amazon Lockers, Amazon Counters at participating locations and UPS AccessPoints. Other carriers have their own nearby hubs where you can arrange for pickup too.
Plan a trip when you’re out on your daily errands and you can be the one swooping in on your package instead of a porch pirates.
4. Consider buying a porch lockbox
With porch piracy rates increasing steadily, more people are turning to an old but highly effective answer — a delivery box for your door like those that Hyve, Adoorn and Keter offer.
When you order an item online, you’ll give instructions for the delivery driver to open your porch lockbox. Some have a slot for drivers to drop small items into but require a key to open. Others require a code that you can provide for the delivery driver. The best even offer smart app alerts and remote control over the box.
This type of lockbox isn’t necessarily the most affordable option: High-quality lockboxes can easily cost hundreds of dollars. But if you often receive valuable packages or live in an area known for package theft, it might be worth it.
5. Require signature on delivery
In most cases, delivery drivers simply leave packages on porches or at front doors. But that’s not the only option. Most companies also give the option to require a signature on delivery. In that case, the driver can’t leave the package unless you’re there to sign.
This strategy can be inconvenient if you’re not often home during the day, and a few missed deliveries can lead to packages being returned to the sender. But for a valuable package, it might be worth waiting to ensure it’s not sitting unattended on your porch.
Read more: The Worst Spots to Install Your Home Security Camera
6. Buy a mailbox sensor
A mailbox sensor is a small device that attaches to your mailbox and notifies you when it’s been opened. You can find out when your mail is delivered, as well as if someone is opening your mailbox who shouldn’t be.
Ring is just one of the companies that offers this product and allows you to pair your mailbox sensor with the rest of your home security system. You can arrange it so that when your mailbox is opened, your doorbell camera or another home security camera begins recording.
When you open the video feed, you’ll know if someone is opening your mailbox who shouldn’t be. And while you may not be able to stop someone from stealing your package, you’ll at least have the video evidence.
7. Make it obvious someone is being recorded
Studies have shown that your home is less likely to be subject to theft if it’s clear you have a home security system of some kind. According to data collected by a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 83% of burglars try to determine whether a house has a home security system. If security is present, 87% would move onto another home.
So how do you make it clear your home is secure and encourage potential thieves to move along? Obvious signs such as security cameras on the exterior of your home can be enough. Many home security companies also provide their customers with signs to place on the front yard.
Now there’s an obvious caveat: Many porch pirates don’t notice or care about home security systems and simply try to move so fast that it won’t matter (which is why this step is lowest on our list). But making it clear that you have security cameras or video doorbells that are actively recording people can still help. Some settings allow you to turn up the brightness of indicator lights on video doorbells, for example, so someone can clearly see when it pops on.
For more information on protecting your home against burglars and thieves, visit our list of the best home security systems. And if you’re looking for home safety tips that go beyond your front porch, check out this guide to prevent car break-ins and these tips for improving your home security now.
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