How to Prevent Package Theft This Holiday Season

Online shopping has made checking off that holiday gift list easier than ever by providing us with the convenience of doorstop deliveries. However, the abundance of deliveries has also caused a surge in opportunistic thieves targeting unattended packages. Porch pirates and stolen packages are becoming more common, but luckily, so are the various ways of preventing package theft.

Bring joy to your celebrations with these helpful tips on how to prevent package theft. From smart security solutions to simple precautions, discover how to ensure your packages arrive safely this holiday season.

Install security lighting

Installing security lighting around your property can be a powerful deterrent against package theft. Bright lights increase the risk of being spotted, which helps discourage any potential porch pirates from attempting theft. Many modern security lighting options are also compatible with home automation platforms, conveniently letting you control your lights with a handy app.

There are both battery-powered security lights and solar-powered security lights, with the latter harnessing energy from the sun to generate light. Both options typically have motion-activated settings with sensors that detect movement within their range. Once motion is observed, strategically placed lights can turn on and hopefully scare off anyone who might be stealing packages.

Set up security cameras

If you’ve ever looked into how to choose a home security system, you’ll know that there is a wide variety of options that can help prevent package stealing. And, security cameras and surveillance have become more affordable in recent years, letting you monitor your property and home like never before. Outdoor security cameras are typically equipped with both day and night modes, letting you clearly see what is going on 24/7. Moreso, the majority of porch security cameras utilize wireless connectivity and smart technology, so you can always watch over your property and control your cameras on any smart device.

To properly set up outdoor security cameras, you should:

Identify vulnerable areas. Common locations where packages are typically delivered include the front porch, driveway, mailbox or any additional entrance delivery personnel might use.
Choose the right cameras. Consider security cameras with high-resolution video, wide-angle lenses, night vision capabilities and any other feature that best suits your needs.
Account for the power source. If you go with wired cameras, make sure to place them where the wires will not be easily damaged. If you opt for a wireless outdoor camera, you have more options and can potentially cover more ground.
Decide on cloud storage or local storage. Cloud storage allows you to access footage from anywhere while local storage might require more management, but ultimately offers greater control over your data.

Start using smart locks

Smart door locks offer convenience and security features that most traditional locks don’t have. Keyless entry not only eliminates the need for physical keys, but it also allows you to grant temporary access into your home remotely. This means that if you are getting a package delivered, you can ask the delivery person to leave the package inside of your house instead of out in the open. Some smart door locks even have virtual keys that only work in a specific window of time, like when your package is supposed to arrive.

Track your deliveries

Most reputable delivery services offer tracking options that allow you to monitor the status of your packages from the moment the order is placed until it reaches your doorstop. By utilizing these tracking features, you can stay informed about the estimated delivery time and receive real-time updates on the whereabouts of your packages.

The risk of theft is increased when a package is left unattended for a long period of time, so once you are notified that your package has been delivered, you can quickly bring it inside. There are also many same-day delivery options that are typically available in most areas, which makes tracking your packages quicker and easier.

Other ways on how to prevent package theft

We’ve covered some of the best methods of keeping packages safe, but there are still many things you can do that helps prevent porch pirates from ruining your holiday this year. Some highly effective tips that help protect packages include:

Secure location delivery. If your workplace allows it, consider having packages delivered there. Or, perhaps you have neighbors or family that you can have your packages delivered to when you are away.
Required signature confirmation. Whenever possible, require a signature for having a package delivered. This ensures that nothing is left unattended at your doorstop.
Utilize package lockers. Some apartment complexes and housing communities offer secure lockers to help with stopping porch pirates that can only be accessed with a key or code.
Provide delivery instructions. In some cases, you can provide specific delivery instructions, such as placing the package in a hidden area or in between the screen door and front door.

By implementing these strategies and investing in home security and monitoring, you significantly decrease the odds of porch thieves stealing your precious packages. Safeguarding your gifts using simple techniques and modern porch security technology can help you spend more time cherishing the spirit of the season and spreading holiday cheer with confidence.