The holiday season is approaching and one of the best parts of this season of light is the holiday decor as well as the exchange of gifts. When it comes to purchasing gifts, online shopping is the way to go as you can have those presents for loved show up on your doorstep. Unfortunately, this attracts the attention of Porch Pirates who are looking to gain gifts of their own. These real-life thieves are about to hit the streets and attempt to steal delivery packages from your doorsteps. If you're looking to keep the pirates at bay and make sure you get those holiday gifts delivered safely, use these helpful steps to protect your packages. Here's what you need to know.
In a recent survey conducted by Security.org, it's estimated 44 million packages had been stolen in the past three months. In the past year, they report $8 billion worth of merchandise stolen from porches. It is theft on a scale likely never seen before.
There are some things you can do to help prevent porch pirates from stealing your holiday packages. These things include.
Install visible cameras and smart doorbells. While it is not foolproof, having a camera aimed at the porch will help deter some of the thieves out there. At the very least, it can provide you with video footage to give to the police department if theft happens.
Use a Porch Lock Box. If you have a lot of deliveries, consider installing a porch lock box or smart mailbox. When you order an item, provide the code information for your delivery driver. With most lockboxes or smart mailboxes, you either need your own code or key to retrieve the packages.
Sign up for Amazon's Garage Delivery. If you're ordering packages off Amazon, Amazon Key is a way to receive packages that offers a more secure alternative to traditional delivery. With Amazon Key, delivery drivers place your packages inside your garage rather than at your front door. This service works exclusively with MyQ Smart Garage Control, technology that makes nearly any garage door opener smart.
Get Packages Delivered to Your Workplace. If your boss will allow it, use your office address when ordering from online shops. Most deliveries take place during work hours. If you work outside the home, this means when most packages are dropped off, you'll be at work making your gifts easily available for pirates.
Send Your Deliveries to a Pick-Up Location. Consider sending those packages to places like Amazon Lockers to P.O. Boxes to FedEx or UPS pick-up locations. Yes, it isn’t as convenient as receiving packages at your home, it gives you peace of mind.
Hopefully, this will give you tips to help you keep your packages safe from the porch pirates. If you have any questions, please reach out. I'm always available.
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