How to Prevent Your Packages from Being Stolen
Picture this: you've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a package you ordered online, tracking its journey from the warehouse to your doorstep. But when you get home, your excitement turns to frustration and dismay as you realize your package is nowhere to be found.
Package theft, also known as "porch piracy," has become an increasingly common and frustrating problem for online shoppers. This growing trend not only leaves consumers feeling violated and helpless but also results in significant financial losses and a sense of insecurity. If you've fallen victim to porch pirates, you're not alone—it's a widespread issue that affects countless individuals and demands attention and solutions.
More than 1 in 4 people have been the victim of package theft as of 2023. Though the cases of theft usually increase during the holiday seasons, they still remain steady year round. For context, in 2023, package thieves poached more than $8 billion in merchandise.
You may wonder what can be done prevent your eBay, USPS, FedEx, UPS, or Amazon packages from being stolen by someone you didn’t know. How can you stop your packages from going missing? The following are solid solutions that will help you to avoid your packages from being stolen off your porch or front door by porch pirates!
1. Deliver All Your Packages to Your Office or Workplace
Most thieves take advantage of the fact that you are at work during the day, and thus unavailable to immediately bring your package aside. They boldly stride up to your door during the daytime and whisk away your parcel long before you get home.
To avoid the situation of having your package left out all day, choose to deliver packages that you know will arrive during the work week to your office instead. Even if you step out for lunch or a break, your co-workers will be able to accept your package for you. This way your package will never be left out for thieves.
2. Take Advantage of Amazon Lockers
Amazon now has Amazon lockers all over the country that you can choose to have your package delivered to instead. When checking out, select delivery to an Amazon locker near you and Amazon will email you a 6-digit passcode to unlock the locker once you complete your order.
3. Install Security Cameras to Prevent Package Theft
Installing a security camera is often enough to scare away would-be thieves. It serves as a visible deterrent, letting potential criminals know they are being monitored. For optimal protection against package theft, consider the Lockly Vision Elite smart lock. This advanced device combines a full HD video doorbell camera with night vision, a motion sensor, and a solar panel for continuous power.
The Lockly Vision Elite allows you to monitor your front door remotely, engage in two-way conversations with visitors, and receive real-time alerts when motion is detected. With multiple ways to control access, including PIN Genie technology, this smart lock provides a comprehensive solution to safeguard your home and prevent package theft.
For valuable packages, always request that a signature be required upon delivery. This will guarantee that the package will be delivered directly to a resident of your home and never left out. If you are unable to sign for the package when it is being delivered, it will be held at the local delivery office and you must provide photo ID to retrieve it. This may be an extra step but will make sure that you or your family will be the only ones that will receive your parcel.
Why Smart Locks Can Deter Package Thieves
Installing a smart lock like the Lockly Vision Elite can significantly deter these criminals and protect your deliveries. Here's how:
- Visible Deterrent: The presence of a smart lock with an integrated video doorbell camera, such as the Lockly Vision Elite, serves as a visible deterrent. Thieves are less likely to approach a home that clearly has a security system in place, knowing that their actions will be recorded.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Smart locks with video capabilities allow you to monitor your front door in real-time from your smartphone. The Lockly Vision Elite, for example, features a full HD camera with night vision, ensuring clear footage day and night. If you spot suspicious activity, you can quickly alert the authorities or use the two-way audio to confront the potential thief.
- Motion Detection and Alerts: Advanced smart locks like the Lockly Vision Elite come equipped with motion sensors. When motion is detected near your front door, you'll receive an instant alert on your smartphone. This early warning system enables you to take prompt action, such as contacting a neighbor or the police, to prevent the theft of your packages.
- Secure Access Control: Smart locks offer various secure access methods, making it easier for you to grant temporary access to trusted individuals, such as family members or neighbors, who can retrieve your packages when you're not home. The Lockly Vision Elite features PIN Genie technology, which randomly shuffles the keypad numbers to prevent others from guessing your access code.
- Integration with Smart Home Systems: Many smart locks, including the Lockly Vision Elite, integrate seamlessly with popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa. This integration allows you to create automated routines, such as turning on lights or triggering an alarm when suspicious activity is detected, further deterring potential package thieves.
By investing in a smart lock with video capabilities and advanced security features, you can significantly reduce the risk of package theft and enjoy greater peace of mind knowing that your deliveries are protected.
Visit Lockly today to view our full range of innovative smart lock options!