With the rise in packages being delivered to homes, especially with the popularity of online shopping, porch piracy has become an unfortunate issue. Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages from outside residences before the recipient can collect them. Having a package stolen can be incredibly frustrating, not to mention it wastes your time and money. This guide will provide tips on how to hide packages on your front porch to deter thieves and ensure your deliveries make it safely into your hands.
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What is porch piracy?
Porch piracy refers to the theft of packages delivered to outside homes. It often occurs when a delivery driver leaves a package on the porch or doorstep of a home for the recipient to collect when they return. Opportunistic thieves will patrol neighborhoods looking for parcels left unattended outside residences which they can quickly swipe. The contents may range from inexpensive purchases to luxury goods worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
With the rapid growth of ecommerce and home deliveries, especially accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, porch piracy has become a growing nuisance. A 2021 survey found that nearly 2 in 5 Americans have had a package stolen from their home. As more and more shopping shifts online, thieves are capitalizing on the uptick in unattended deliveries left outside homes.
When are packages most at risk?
Packages are most vulnerable to theft during the holiday season. As online orders surge from November through December, so do incidents of porch piracy. Thieves know to target neighborhoods during this time in hopes of stealing gifts and other merchandise.
Packages are also at high risk during summer months when more residents take vacations and thieves assume homes will be empty. Times when kids are at school or adults are away at work are prime opportunities for pirates who can grab parcels quickly without being seen.
Tips to conceal packages
Here are some clever tips to better hide packages left outside your home and deter thieves:
Have packages delivered to your backdoor
When placing online orders, opt to have packages delivered to your backdoor whenever possible. This conceals them from view out front where thieves patrol. Just be sure to provide delivery instructions so drivers know to access the back entrance of your home.
Use package lockboxes
Invest in a lockbox designed to safely store deliveries outside your home. Choose a box that can be secured to the ground or porch to prevent criminals from stealing the entire box along with the parcels inside. Have packages requiring a signature placed directly into the lockbox so they remain concealed and secure until you return home.
Conceal inside outdoor furniture/decor
Place packages inside benches, planters, or other covered outdoor furniture to obscure them from sight. Just make sure the items are weatherproof so deliveries don’t get wet or damaged.
Have a neighbor collect packages
The best option is to have a trusted neighbor retrieve packages when they arrive. Provide them with permission to accept deliveries on your behalf and ask them to hold items until you can collect them after work. This prevents parcels from sitting unattended outside your home.
Use smart package tracking
Consider installing a smart security camera doorbell that provides package tracking. It can detect when a delivery arrives and send you real-time notifications so you know a parcel is waiting. Some even have locker storage allowing the driver to safely conceal packages.
Where to hide packages
When concealing packages yourself, here are some smart spots to stash them:
Under the doormat
A classic option, just make sure the packages fit flush under the mat so they aren’t noticeable. Avoid placing valuable items here in case the mat gets lifted or blown away by wind.
Between screen doors
If you have a screen door, position packages between it and your main door. This hides them from street view while keeping them dry.
In outdoor storage benches
Lift the lid of benches on your porch and tuck packages inside. Ensure the bench has a lock to prevent thieves from rummaging through it.
Under flower pots
Carefully conceal small packages under flower pots on entry steps or a porch. Just be sure to remind yourself they are there later.
In the grill
Open your BBQ grill lid and stash packages inside temporarily. This obscures them from view while protecting them from weather.
Behind outdoor decor
Use large items on your porch like statues or planters to block packages from sight. Position parcels neatly behind them.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Under doormat | Easily accessible | Not secure, visible if dislodged |
| Between screen doors | Concealed from street | Could get wet if rains |
| In storage bench | Hidden and locked | Need available bench |
| Under flower pots | Obscured from view | Easy to forget and leave outside |
| In grill | Protected from weather | Only a short term solution |
| Behind decor | Hidden from sight | Space needs to accommodate |
Deterrence measures
In addition to hiding packages, consider these deterrence methods:
Install security cameras
Visible security cameras can deter potential thieves from targeting your home. Signs boasting of surveillance systems also help. Capture clear footage of your property and porch in case a theft does occur so you can provide video evidence.
Improve exterior lighting
Well-lit entrances make thieves less likely to lurk and steal packages. Install motion sensor lights facing key areas like doors, steps, walkways, and driveways.
Alert neighbors
Chat with neighbors and request they keep an eye out for suspicious activity around the time of deliveries. More sets of eyes in the neighborhood creates greater security.
Require signatures
When available, select “signature required” at checkout for valuable items or identity-sensitive packages like medications. This mandates recipients be present to accept deliveries.
What to do if a package gets stolen
If you discover a stolen package, follow these steps:
Check with neighbors
There’s a chance a neighbor may have collected your parcel thinking it was theirs. Knock on nearby doors to check.
Contact the sender
Alert the vendor who shipped the package that it was stolen. They may be able to replace or refund your order, especially if purchased recently.
Notify police
File a police report about the theft. This creates an official record that authorities keep to identify crime patterns.
Inform delivery service
Notify the shipping company, e.g. UPS, FedEx, Amazon, that a driver released your package without obtaining a signature or confirming you received it.
Check theft databases
Websites like MissingPackages.com allow you to post about stolen parcels. This helps track locations with high rates of theft.
Review security footage
If you have a smart doorbell, security camera, or neighbor’s surveillance that captured the incident, review footage to get identifying details on the thief to provide police.
Conclusion
With the surge in package thefts, it’s critical to take measures to protect deliveries left outside your home. Pay close attention to tracking notices so you can retrieve parcels quickly. Follow tips to obscure packages from sight. Use lockboxes, outdoor furniture, unconventional spots like the grill to conceal your deliveries.
Deterrents like security cameras, lighting, and alerts to neighbors also help safeguard packages. File police reports if a theft occurs and inform all relevant parties. With vigilance, common sense precautions, and a bit of creativity, you can outsmart porch pirates to keep your packages safe.