Porch pirates can strike any time of year, but they’re especially busy during the holiday season. So much holiday shopping is done online these days and no one loves that more than those planning to steal those boxes as they’re delivered. According to a new survey from CNET, the average value of packages that will be sent to someone’s home this holiday season is about $300, which means porch pirates can make out like literal bandits.
For CNET’s fourth annual poll on porch theft, they surveyed 2,569 U.S. adults and found 30% have had a package stolen in the past year or know someone who has.
- That includes 14% who were victims of porch piracy themselves and 21% who know someone who was.
- One in 10 had a package stolen that contained something for themselves, while 7% had a gift stolen.
- To make sure their deliveries aren’t taken, 28% plan to not leave their home unattended for more than a few hours.
While we can’t be home all the time to get our packages as soon as they’re delivered, there are some steps to take to prevent porch pirates from getting them.
- Track your packages carefully online - It’s easy to do and it gives you an idea of when the package will arrive. Sign up for email alerts so you know as soon as the package is dropped off and can plan to get it yourself or have someone else do it.
- Use a video doorbell - These cameras watch for visitors and packages and alert you when there's a drop off. Some also alert you when a package suddenly disappears.
- Use a delivery box - It’s a durable, permanent box that sits on your porch and they’re designed so porch pirates can’t get to the package inside or carry the box away.
- Arrange for in-garage drop-offs - Some delivery services offer drop offs in your garage to protect packages, like the Amazon Key service. It works with smart garage doors and offers delivery people one-time access to the garage, no codes required.
Source: CNET
Scott's Thoughts:
- Jokes on the porch pirate who stole my neighbor’s package of live roaches for their pet lizards!
- I want some of those exploding packages that covers them in blue dye!
- I have multiple camera's on our house so we can see anyone who steals from us!