How do you hide packages from porch pirates?

Porch piracy, also known as package theft, has become an increasingly common issue in recent years. With more people shopping online and getting items delivered directly to their homes, packages left unattended outside have become easy targets for thieves. According to a report from SafeWise, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have had a package stolen from their doorstep. This results in millions of dollars worth of merchandise being swiped annually.

While there are measures delivery companies and law enforcement can take to curb package theft, there are also steps you as a homeowner can take to avoid becoming a victim of this frustrating crime. Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks on how to hide packages from porch pirates.

Steps You Can Take

Here are some proactive steps you can take to obscure packages left outside your home from potential thieves:

Choose the Right Delivery Location

One of the easiest ways to thwart porch pirates is to avoid having packages left in plain sight at your front door. If possible, choose an alternate delivery location that’s more discreet:

• Deliver to your workplace where they can be kept somewhere safe until you can take them home.
• See if the delivery company has lockers or other secure pickup points in your area.
• Direct packages to your backyard or side/back door where they aren’t visible from the street.
• Ask your neighbor if deliveries can be left with them while you’re out.

Selecting a less obvious drop-off point goes a long way in keeping your deliveries out of sight and out of mind for passing thieves.

Utilize Package Lockers

If your property allows, installing a lockable package locker or delivery box provides a great level of security. These allow delivery drivers to safely deposit packages out of public view. Once the locker is closed, it can only be opened again with a code or key that only you possess as the homeowner.

There are now many options when it comes to package lockers, with choices including:

• Large capacity lockers that can accommodate oversized items.
• Smart lockers that send access codes to your phone when a delivery is made.
• WiFi enabled models that allow locking/unlocking from an app.
• Free-standing units that can be situated anywhere on your property.

Investing in a quality delivery locker means you don’t have to be home to receive packages – they remain protected until you retrieve them.

Instruct Drivers on Where to Leave Packages

When you’re expecting a delivery and know you won’t be home, proactively leaving instructions for drivers is key. Most delivery companies allow you to specify a preferred location on your property for drop-offs when you’re not around.

Some ideas for discreet drop-off points include:

• Behind bushes/plants on the porch.
• Around the side of the house, behind a gate.
• Under a covered porch or awning away from the street.
• In a trash can sheltered from view (just be sure to leave it empty).

Drivers appreciate having clear direction on where to leave packages. Taking a minute to share preferred locations helps keep your deliveries away from prying eyes.

Use Package Screening

Large parcel boxes left on doorsteps can immediately grab the attention of passersby. A helpful way to obscure the nature of deliveries is by screening them from street view. Options like package screens attach right to the front of homes above entrance ways. They blur the size and shape of packages left below, disguising them as simply blank sections of door. Other products like collapsible package hidings and enclosed delivery bags serve a similar function. The goal is making it harder for would-be thieves to spot deliveries from the curb and determine if a package is worth swiping or not.

Track Your Deliveries

It’s smart to track your incoming packages so you know the exact delivery window. This allows you to either stay vigilant at home during the timeframe, or ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out in your absence. Tracking updates enable you to notify drivers of your preferred drop-off location and when you won’t be home. The more informed you are of expected delivery times, the fewer chances a package is left unattended for long periods that could attract thieves.

Invest in Security Cameras

Security cameras provide one of the best means of deterring and catching package thieves. Prominently displaying cameras at doorways and your front porch sends a clear message to potential thieves that their actions are being recorded. High-resolution video footage also helps identify perpetrators if a theft does occur. Features like motion sensor alerts ensure cameras start recording as soon as someone approaches your property. Footage capturing faces, vehicle license plates and other identifying details can greatly assist police investigations. While cameras can seem like a costly upfront investment, they typically pay dividends in preventing and solving package theft.

Have Packages Held at Local Post Office

Rather than taking a chance of packages being left unattended at home, you can arrange to pick up deliveries directly from your local post office. USPS, UPS, FedEx and other carriers all offer hold services for packages when you’re not able to be home to receive them personally. Once a package arrives at your local post office, you simply need to bring a photo ID to retrieve it. This adds an extra errand of having to specially pick up packages versus getting home delivery. However it guarantees that your items will only end up directly in your hands. While not always the most convenient, holding packages for in-person pickup does eliminate the vulnerabilities of a doorstep delivery.

Use Locked Containers

Locked containers provide additional security for any packages left outside your home. As delivery drivers may not always follow special instructions you leave, having packages put into a locked bin ensures they stay secured. Locked containers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit needs. Options include:

• Locked plastic storage bins only you have the key for.
• Sealable hard-shell lockboxes that attach to exterior walls.
• Heavy-duty tool chests with combination locks to safely conceal contents.

With a sturdy enough container that can’t simply be carried off, thieves are deterred and forced to move on.

Have a Signature Required

Requiring a signature confirmation for package deliveries reduces chances of packages being left unattended and vulnerable. While it creates the need for you to be physically present to receive deliveries, it adds accountability. Having to personally sign and approve delivery means fewer boxes being casually left on doorsteps without recipients verifying contents firsthand. Of course, this isn’t foolproof – some drivers may still leave packages without a signature out of convenience. But simply having the signature requirement on file greatly cuts down on the likelihood of unchecked drop-offs.

Use Video Doorbells

Video doorbells have become a popular home security item for monitoring exactly who approaches your door. When synced with smart devices, doorbell cameras send instant alerts to your phone and let you view live video feeds of visitors. As package deliveries are made, you’re able to confirm boxes being carefully left via doorbell footage. Video records also catch suspicious activity indicating potential theft attempts. While not all drivers will ring the doorbell after drop-offs, cameras still roll continuously. This provides helpful records you can review if packages go missing. Overall, video doorbells bring an extra layer of oversight to your doorstep that deters thieves.

Have Neighbors Collect Packages

When you know you’ll be out during scheduled delivery windows, ask trusted neighbors for help collecting packages on your behalf. Most neighbors are willing to temporarily store boxes delivered to the wrong address. Letting them know about incoming packages and where to leave them for you provides inexpensive security. Ideally, neighbors should be briefed on where to leave parcels out of sight from the street. With someone keeping an eye out close by and able to bring packages inside shortly after delivery, there’s less risk of theft during periods you won’t be home.

Conclusion

With the continued rise in package thefts, it pays to take protective measures guarding deliveries left at your door. Simple solutions like choosing discreet drop-off points, leaving instructions for drivers and tracking delivery times can make a big difference. For greater security, installing security cameras, video doorbells and locking package containers provides further theft deterrence. Being proactive and using available tools helps minimize the chances you suffer the headache and heartache of stolen packages. Staying vigilant against porch pirates ensures your online purchases end up safely in your hands.

Solution	Benefit
Choose alternate delivery location	Avoids packages being left in plain sight
Use package lockers	Provides secure, concealed storage
Leave instructions for delivery drivers	Directs packages be left in discreet locations
Use package screening	Obscures packages from street view
Track incoming deliveries	Stay informed on delivery times and provide instructions
Invest in security cameras	Deter thieves and provide video evidence if needed
Hold packages at post office	Requires in-person pickup and ID verification
Use locked containers	Adds physical barrier securing packages
Require signature confirmation	Ensures recipient accountability for packages
Use video doorbells	Provides monitoring and alerts of deliveries
Have neighbors collect packages	Nearby supervision shortly after delivery