Porch pirates are faster and braver than ever, with 1 in 6 Americans experiencing package theft, according to CNET surveys. In high-target neighborhoods, not even an advanced video doorbell or security camera may deter all of them. But there’s another option, an age-old way of protecting mail that’s returning, now with high-tech advances, and porch pirates can’t do anything about it. It’s a box.
I’ve been using a smart delivery box myself for years, and it’s amazingly effective at stopping any kind of theft or tampering, as long as I remember to instruct delivery people to use it. Here’s everything you need to know about how the right box could help you stop package theft, too.
What exactly is a package lockbox or delivery box?
A package lockbox is a dedicated cabinet or chest about the size of a trash bin that sits by your front door. It has receptacles for depositing and storing larger packages that wouldn’t fit in traditional mailbox-locked compartments. Package lockboxes come in many designs and colors and can easily blend in with your porch palette. Delivery people secure packages in the box when no one’s home to get them, and they stay safe for later retrieval.
These types of delivery boxes have been used for centuries in areas without American mailboxes, flats with close doorways and busy streets, or areas where wind and rain easily damage packages. Now, they offer one of the best ways to stop porch pirates.
Can’t porch pirates just open the box?
Not usually. Many of these delivery boxes typically have a deposit tray or section where delivery people place the package, which is dropped down to a larger compartment secured by a lock. That makes it really difficult for porch pirates to reach in and grab a package. Other boxes may lock with a keypad — so owners can give codes to a delivery person — and most have a base that can be filled with sand to keep pirates from carrying off the lamest-looking treasure chest.
Some boxes even connect to Wi-Fi or your phone’s Bluetooth and apps for more control. My Yale box, for example, senses when a package is placed in and automatically locks when the box is shut, sending me an alert and letting me retrieve the package or unlock the box from afar for more deliveries.
But the biggest detractor is covering packages from view. After all, if a would-be thief doesn’t see a package, they’re significantly less likely to poke around your porch for something that might not be there.
How much does one of these boxes cost?
Most high-quality lockboxes cost between $200 and $300. You’ll have to pay a little more if you want smart features or keypads, but they stay under $400 in most cases.
Where can I order a delivery box like this?
You can find package delivery boxes from brands like Adoorn
and home-friendly options from Keter, both at home improvement stores like Lowe’s, Ace Hardware and Home Depot. Merapi has especially durable versions made to fit inside a wall, while Loxx Boxx has the smartest delivery boxes we’ve found. Yale also has a particularly smart version, while Hyve’s smart pod option does a little of everything.
Can I use a package delivery box for groceries?
Absolutely, but you’ll need to be careful which type you purchase. Some parcel lockers have you deposit the package in a top section and then drop it down into the main locked box, which could lead to broken eggs or broken jars. Look for chest-style package delivery boxes like Yale and Loxx Boxx instead, which allow delivery drivers to gently deposit your groceries on the bottom of the lockbox.
With the right lockbox, you don’t have to worry about produce being delivered while you’re away. That’s an even more important feature now that online grocery ordering has grown in popularity.
Where do I put a delivery box like this?
Putting one right by your door or where packages are usually dropped off is the best spot. If delivery people tend to leave packages at the edge of your porch, you may want to put it by your porch steps. Brands like Keter are especially good at box designs that can match the siding on your home, but most brands have a range of colors to help match your home’s exterior (or just look intimidating).
Could I just make my own package lockbox?
You can, which allows you to make a more decorative box, but it’s a lot of work. You’ll need weatherproof materials and a design that’s not easily accessed by determined porch pirates, along with a padlock or basic locking mechanism. It could be a DIY project for those comfortable with woodwork.
Are there any downsides to delivery boxes?
Yes, there’s one notable downside to these protected delivery boxes: Delivery people have to use them in the first place. Some people install these package boxes, then get frustrated when their delivery people ignore the box and leave packages by the door as usual. In these cases, a sign on the box like “PACKAGES HERE” may help, but the best option is leaving a note in your shipping instructions when you order something.
An alternative is subscribing to a service that allows delivery people to leave packages in the garage, or using locker delivery options for retailers like Amazon Lockers.
Can I use a lockbox in an apartment?
Yes, you can use a parcel lockbox in an apartment, but its effectiveness depends on your building and the delivery driver. A personal lockbox placed outside your apartment door might keep packages hidden, but many couriers skip using them unless they’re easy to open and clearly marked. In this case, a better solution would be to use a shared smart parcel locker system placed in your apartment’s lobby or mailroom. These secure lockers can notify you when a delivery arrives, but require building approval and can be pricey to install.
Can the police do anything about porch pirates?
You can report porch pirate theft and include a video file if your video doorbell saved the image of the thief. But don’t expect police to do much in grab-and-dash thefts. Generally, police will take action if there is repeated porch pirate theft in a specific area where they can set up their own surveillance project and eventually catch thieves red-handed — but that’s pretty rare.
Is Amazon liable for porch pirates stealing packages?
Amazon’s job (along with various couriers) is to get the package properly delivered to the right address. Once that job is done, they aren’t really liable in any meaningful way for what happens to your package. But that doesn’t mean they can’t help. Wait 48 hours and contact their customer service or your third-party seller for more information. There’s no guarantee you could get your package replaced, but it’s a possibility.
For more information on preventing home theft, visit our home security cheat sheet and our guide on deterring burglars before they try anything, and see the best options for outdoor cameras and cheap video doorbells.
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