4 Tips to Prevent Porch Pirates
With the increase in online shopping comes a greater need to prevent porch pirates.
Online shopping has been around for years and has grown to be a standard for most people today. The convenience of having our goods delivered to our homes has totally changed the way that we shop. But along with the convenience of home deliveries also comes with the increased risk of porch pirates.
As online shopping and delivery continue to dominate the market, many of those packages will sit unattended for hours on our front porches, attracting thieves. According to a recent poll of 2,000 consumers, over 40% of participants said they’ve had packages stolen. Plus, more than half of those who have had stolen packages have had it happen more than once.
Whether you’ve been a victim of porch pirates in the past, or are looking to avoid it in the future, we’ve put a list of best practices to ensure that you keep your home deliveries safe from theft.
Make Sure to Track Your Packages
Today, most major delivery services, including the U.S. Postal Service, offer package tracking. Systems like this will start tracking your package from the time of purchase. Then, you’ll know the status of shipping, when packages get on a delivery truck, and what time they’re expected to arrive at your home. One of the best ways to avoid potential theft is to continue checking delivery status. If you won’t be home at the time of delivery, have someone come retrieve your package, or change the date and time.
Require Signatures on Delivery
Some packages delivered at home are more valuable than others. When your package ships, request to sign for it at the time of delivery. In most cases, more valuable deliveries will already need a signature at the time of delivery. However, as an added precaution, it might be worth it to sign for and retrieve your packages in person.
Visible Signs of a Home Security System
Studies have shown that visible signs of home security systems will decrease the chances of theft. More obvious signs, such as outdoor security cameras or motion-sensitive lights, can be enough to scare thieves away. Many home security companies also place their branded signs and window stickers in visible areas. In fact, 83% of criminals said they would try to figure out whether a home security system was present before trying to steal or break into the home.
Install a Video Doorbell Camera
Video doorbells have become more popular in recent years and can help in a variety of ways. As we mentioned before, the first signs of home security systems can discourage criminals. Guardian Alarm’s video technology instantly records footage once it detects a person in range instead of unlikely threats, such as wildlife or inclement weather. Notable features of our doorbell cameras include creating zones to detect movement in certain areas, customized alerts of activity you choose to see, and more. Plus, if someone comes up to take your package, our doorbells have built-in two-way voice communication, so you can scare a thief off in real time.
When it comes to protecting your home, there’s nothing like using an expert. Guardian Alarm’s team of security consultants will personalize your new cameras and security system based on your needs. We’ll help you pick the right kinds of products, show you how to use your new system, and offer local support for years to come. Here at Guardian Alarm, we’re an all-in-one shop. From customizing your security features to 24/7 local monitoring, your safety is our highest priority.
