Tired of getting your packages stolen off your porch? Try out these tips!
1. Get a planter
This sounds too simple and low-tech, but it works! Many package thefts are crimes of opportunity—a passerby just happens to see a package, so they take it. So if you can just prevent people from seeing that you have a package on your porch, you can prevent the vast majority of package thefts! Many delivery folks will place packages right behind a planter box, gate, bench, etc. if you keep one on or near your porch, so give it a try!
You can also attempt to specify delivery instructions to ensure that the package is placed in a specific location (such as behind an object, at a side or back door, etc.), but be warned that the instructions may not always be followed.
2. Get a package lock box
A simple planter will protect against crimes of opportunity, but what if the thieves in your area are the kind who walk up onto every porch, or who follow behind delivery vans to scoop up packages as soon as they’re dropped off? For that, you need something that can actually lock up your package to prevent easy theft.
Of course, the main downsides are that you have a big, clunky, expensive box sitting on your porch, and there’s a chance that the delivery folks won’t even use it, even if you leave out a sign or specify delivery instructions. Most delivery folks have to meet strict quotas and don’t have time to figure out how a package lock box works. They don’t want to futz with a lock or enter a code. So if you do decide to go this route, try for one that’s dead simple to use (e.g. the kind where you drop them in from the top, like with those blue USPS mail drop boxes on street corners). And even then, be prepared to return it if the delivery folks in your area don’t end up using it.
If they do though, a package lock box will thwart all but the most determined thieves, since most will probably not spend the time to break the box open if it seems at all sturdy. Just make sure that you bolt the box down or otherwise secure it to something, or else someone might just steal the whole box!
Another option is to use your house as a lock box by using a service such as Amazon Key. The premise was that you would install a Key-compatible smart lock on your front door, and then delivery people will be able to open the door to drop a package off just inside. It even came with a camera to help you verify that they only dropped off the package, and nothing else. But of course, many called the system “creepy”, and so Amazon now touts a slightly different system where they will deliver to your garage instead (as long as you have a compatible smart garage door opener). This is less creepy, but of course, the system still only works for Amazon deliveries, so if you expect packages from anywhere else (or if you don’t have a garage), such a system may not be for you.
Cluster boxes
If you don’t want to install a locker just for yourself, consider a cluster box. Cluster boxes and parcel lockers allow USPS to deliver mail and packages to a secure location for your entire block or apartment complex, and they are generally guaranteed to actually use it! If package and/or mail theft is a big concern in your area, you can try to get together with your neighbors to install one of these units. Of course, the main downside is that only USPS can use it—though sometimes, other carriers (like UPS) can work with USPS so that USPS makes the final delivery, ensuring a safe package.
Many apartment complexes also offer package lockers, which can often be used by companies other than USPS. If you don’t have one, consider gathering support from your neighbors to try and get one installed.
3. Get it delivered somewhere else
This seems like an obvious solution, but the problem is that it’s just not as convenient—and convenience is often the entire reason for getting something delivered in the first place. But it is cheaper and more secure than many of the other options, and still probably more convenient than getting your packages stolen all the time. Ideas of places you can get your packages delivered include:
- Someone else’s house, such as a friend’s, family member’s, or neighbor’s
- Your place of work (if they allow it)
- Your apartment manager’s office (if they allow it)
- A UPS Store, Amazon Locker, P.O. box, etc.
It’s worth noting that even though some places say they will not deliver to a P.O. box, they still will if your post office provides a “Street Addressing” service, which allows you to specify the address more normally. For example, instead of specifying your address as “PO Box 1234”, you specify the address as “555 Main Street #1234”, assuming your local post office is located on 555 Main Street. Any packages you receive will then either be deposited into the box, or held behind the counter if they are too big.
4. Get a camera
There are two reasons you might get a camera. The first reason is that it acts as a deterrent—many casual package thieves don’t want to risk getting seen. However, more experienced thieves simply hide their faces (e.g. with a hoodie and face mask, or just by looking down), or even just don’t care at all because they know that their chances of being caught are extremely slim. Indeed, many police officers won’t even attempt to investigate package thefts, even if a clear video of the thief—face and all—is provided.
But the other reason is that many cameras these days can provide you with notifications on your smart phone whenever a package is delivered! This allows you to take it inside more quickly, especially if you are home. And if you’re not home, you can either know that you need to get home earlier, or you can ask a neighbor to take it inside for you.
Of course, the “package detection” on many cameras is a bit flaky and may provide false notifications—or even miss deliveries altogether. If this is a concern, you can consider combining a camera with a package box. Simply place the camera inside the box (you may need a battery-powered one), and set up the camera to notify on any motion—chances are that the act of opening and closing the box will not be accidentally missed, and false notifications are also much more rare. With a system like this, you may not even need a lock on the box, since you are much more likely to retrieve the package before a thief decides to check it. Not only is foregoing the lock much cheaper, but delivery folks are more likely to deliver to a box that doesn’t have any complex mechanisms on it. A win-win!
The Readyist 