Thanks to modern technology, we can buy just about anything online and get it delivered to our doorstep in a few days or less. Not only has that been extremely convenient for us, but it’s also created a giant window of opportunity for so-called “porch pirates” too.
According to
a recent report, at least 23 million Americans have had packages stolen from their porches, mailboxes, and stoops. Lucky for us though, there’s a there’s a slew of new high-tech sheriffs in town to put a stop to these pesky poachers.
Protect your purchases and deliveries using these tips: Amazon Locker
Another option comes straight from the world’s largest online retailer. It’s called Amazon Locker, and it’s kind of like a post office box, but just for Amazon deliveries.
Instead of being delivered to your house or apartment, the packages arrive at a nearby Amazon Locker location, where they’re placed in a secure compartment. You get an email as soon as the package arrives at the locker and you have three full days to pick it up. When you go to pick it up, you simply enter your special unlock code on the Amazon Locker touchscreen and your compartment opens, allowing you to retrieve your delivery. Amazon Locker has locations in more than a dozen major U.S. cities, and many are open 24 hours a day for convenient pick-up.
Lock Boxes
For some people, the simplicity of a lockbox works best. You can bolt a rugged steel box to whatever surface you want, including concrete and asphalt, and they're fairly easy and quick to install. Once installed, simply share the unique code with the delivery service whenever you place an online order — you know those little “special instructions” boxes when you reach the online checkout? Just toss the code in there — and reset the codes whenever you think you’ve given it out to too many people. It’s as simple as that, and your packages stay put until you pick them up.
Doorman App
Imagine having someone you trust at your door to always sign and receive your important packages so you never even have to think about them being stolen. That’s kind of how Doorman works. It’s a slick app-based service that receives your packages for you, notifies you the moment its arrived, and lets you schedule when and where it goes next.
For example, let’s say your delivery is on its way. Instead of being delivered to your door while you’re off at work — and waiting to be stolen until you return home — the package is sent to your local Doorman address instead. You get a message telling you it’s ready, and then you set the time that Doorman drops your package off at your home, as late as midnight, seven days a week. It’s super convenient, and it takes all the guesswork out of signing for a delivery. Doorman is currently available in Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco, with more on the way. It’s free to try, and after the trial it costs as little as $3.99 per delivery, or $19 per month.
Security Cameras
If you’ve been a victim of Porch Pirates in the past, or simply want a little added peace of mind that nobody has been snooping around your house, a security camera can put your mind at ease. (Heck, sometimes just posting a sign that anyone who approaches is being recorded is enough to deter a criminal.) They're a tried and true deterrent for all manner of criminal behavior. Thieves are very aware of cameras and often look for them before attempting a theft. Also, if you do ever have a package stolen, you have video evidence to pass along to police and online stores. Some systems have the ability to remotely monitor your home from mobile devices like tablets and cell phones which adds an extra layer of security and better peace of mind. Nest Cam Indoor, and the new Nest Cam Outdoor, provide real-time video surveillance of a home and property. Nest Cam Outdoor sends out alerts when there is activity at the door and can talk and listen to anyone nearby from a smartphone, straight to the camera.
Neighborhood Watch new
When you can't be home at the time of arrival, ask a neighbor to stop by if they can. You can be notified the moment your package is delivered and then make arrangements to have the package collected. The less time it sits on your porch, the opportunity to steal it is vastly decreased. Plus, you can always repay the favor by helping our your neighbor with the same thing!
Deliver to Work
When in doubt, get it delivered to your office. If your neighbors cannot help with pick up, it will be safer to get them sent to work. The guarantee with doing this is you, or a coworker, will always be available to receive mail. To add another level of security, require a signature upon delivery.
Adapted from USA Today's article:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2016/10/09/protect-your-online-purchases-porch-pirates/91753692/