5 Ways to Catch and/or Prevent Package Thieves

You have fallen in love with the convenience of online shopping, but aren’t feeling too secure in the notion that your packages will be waiting for you when you return home from work. Approximately 740 million packages will be delivered this holiday season and package theft rates are also in the millions (26 million reported last year, to be exact). Burglars are keen on knowing where and when to look for expensive and profitable deliveries.

To boot, December 22nd is expected to be the largest delivery day of the year. With that in mind, check out the top 5 ways to prevent and/or catch pesky package thieves!

 

1) Send your packages to your work address
We like this tip because there is always someone available to receive – and sign for – deliveries at a business, which means your packages never go unattended. Another option is to send your packages to your retired parents’ or grandparents’ home. Think of someone who is at home during the day and ask to use their address. It’s less convenient but much safer than leaving your packages to chance for the “porch pirates!”

 

2) Utilize tools provided by package carriers
Each carrier offers the option to sign upon delivery. Utilizing this feature means your packages cannot be left without your consent. After so many attempts, your package will be safely held for you to pick up at your chosen carrier location.

Consider setting up delivery text alerts, which means you know exactly when your packages have arrived. If you aren’t home, you could send a trusted neighbor to grab them for you until you return home.

Try requesting a ‘recorded delivery’ from the USPS, which requires that an official ‘record of posting and delivery’ is created for each piece. This takes the signature option one step further.

 

3) Leave a note
You can take matters into your own hands in a much less technologically savvy way by leaving a note. If you have special instructions for your carrier, write a note and make it visible. They are likely to comply with your request, so long as it’s reasonable. Perhaps there’s a spot that is out-of-view from the street or room in between your screen door and door for smaller packages. This option is a little riskier but more convenient than having to retrieve your package from somewhere else!

 

4) Take Advantage of Buy Online, Pick-up in Store
Most large retailers offer an option to buy online and pick-up in store. You still get the convenience of shopping online with the peace of mind that your package is secure and waiting for you after work. Many stores offer FREE shipping or same day pick-up, and will hold your items for several days, allowing you a little more ease at this busy time of year.

 

5) Help the authorities – and yourself – by installing a video surveillance system
Package theft is just too easy, but catching package thieves can be just as easy. Seattle PD Det. Scotty Bach told geekwire.com, “[I]f you have the means and can afford a surveillance system, please get it, because it does help us track down these repeat offenders. If we can identify somebody who we think is a package thief, we can follow them around.”

Consider adding a remote access service like Total Connect to your home security video surveillance system. Home automation allows you to use any web-enabled device to get live video of activity in or around your home at anytime.

Whatever your motivation, you can never be too safe when it comes to package delivery and home security. We always recommend taking as many safety measures as possible to keep burglars from having any interest in your “smart” home and belongings. Each security measure is designed to help you prevent lost or stolen packages because sometimes you have to be your own safeguard. Contact us to learn more about our home security system options or to get advice from the seasoned pros!

Need new signs? Be sure your Per Mar Security Services signs are well-placed and current. They might act as a package theft deterrent! Contact us for additional signage.