We often hear about porch pirates during the holiday season, but someone can swipe a package from your doorstep any day of the year. In fact, the New York Times recently revealed that a reported 90,0000 packages go missing from porches each day in NYC alone.
Because porch piracy is such a common issue in neighborhoods across the country, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to help ensure the safety of your packages. Follow our porch pirate prevention plan to keep your packages out of the wrong hands.
Alternative Address
Not at home during the day? Deliver your package to your workplace, so you are on-site when it arrives. Another option is to send it to a friend, family member, or neighbor’s house if you know they are usually home during the day.
Store Pick-Up
Some retailers will let you order a product online and have it delivered to their brick-and-mortar store. The store will notify you when the package is available and will hold onto it until you’re ready to retrieve it. Apple, Home Depot, and Kohl’s are just a few stores that offer this free service.
Signature Upon Delivery
Some delivery services, such as UPS and FedEx, allow you to request a signature upon delivery. Their policies may vary, but if no one is home to sign for the package, they may try delivering it another day or sending it to a local facility for you to pick up at your convenience.
Secure Locations
Another option is to have your package shipped to a secure location. You may be able to send it to a FedEx location or ask your local post office to hold on to it for you. Those ordering through Amazon can have their packages sent to an Amazon Hub Locker for safekeeping. You can find these self-serve locations at local grocery stores, malls, and more.
Personal Boxes
Purchasing a P.O. box at your local post office is another easy way to keep your package safe. Send your packages straight to your P.O. box and swing by the post office when you have mail. Another route is to buy a high-tech lockbox for your front porch, which offers advanced locking features. Some have keypads, while others have digital padlocks or traditional keys.
Advanced Technology
Prefer a more tech-savvy plan? Install a doorbell camera that monitors and records activity on your porch. You can even post signs that warn your home is under surveillance. This can help dissuade thefts or potentially catch those in the act.
Know The Law
Though package thefts are often difficult to catch, states are enacting stricter legislation to discourage porch piracy. Michigan and Texas have led the charge, creating bills that increase fines and jail time as punishment. South Carolina also has a theft-protection bill waiting for approval.
Unfortunately, package theft is a common problem, but following these steps of precaution may help protect your items.
Contact us today to find out how our all-risk insurance may help further protect your shipments.
