7 Ways to Fend Off Porch Pirates

The convenience of online shopping comes with a frustrating modern side effect. the dreaded porch pirate. As more of our essential goods are left unattended on doorsteps, opportunistic thieves have turned residential streets into their personal shopping aisles. To ensure your packages actually make it inside your home, consider these tips.

1. Install a video doorbell. Visible security cameras are the primary deterrent for casual thieves. These devices record possible thefts for police reports and allow you to speak through the speaker to “shoo” away miscreants.

2. Use a package locker. Services like Amazon Hub Lockers or FedEx OnSite locations allow you to ship items to a secure, code-protected kiosk.

3. Schedule your deliveries. Many carriers now let you select specific delivery windows. If you set delivery for a time you know you’ll be home, you significantly reduce the window of opportunity for thieves.

4. Set up delivery alerts. Knowledge is power. Sign up for text or email notifications so you know the exact second a package hits your porch.

5. Use “leave with a neighbor” options. If you have a retired neighbor or a friend who works from home, ask if they can take your deliveries. Most shipping apps allow you to leave specific instructions for the driver to knock next door.

6. Invest in a porch lockbox. For frequent shoppers, a heavy-duty, bolted-down delivery box on the porch provides a secure place for drivers to deposit items. Some models feature one-way trap doors or smart locks.

7. Ship to your workplace. If your employer allows it, having packages delivered to a commercial office is significantly safer. Offices usually have staffed reception areas or mailrooms, ensuring your items never sit on a public sidewalk.