9 home delivery advice to ensure the safety of your packages

Security experts offer their best advice in the middle of the increase in porch pirates.


Whether you have a early start in your purchases of vacation gifts or refresh your wardrobe in cold weather, there are many reasons for online orders right away. But with each expedition we obtain, there is the threat of dreaded pirates. A 2022 package flight report De Security.org found that 49 million people in the United States had at least one package stolen by pirates of porch last year - and the researchers say that the figures are climbing. To avoid becoming a statistic, we talked to safety experts to overview how you can ensure the safety of your packages. Read more for the nine home delivery advice they recommend.

In relation: 5 warnings to buyers of ex-workmen to the Amazon delivery .

1
Add a package storage box to your porch.

Blurred safe with combination lock and human hand in a hotel room, closeup numbers with tilt shift effect. Selective focus.
Bykfa / Shutterstock

If you want to protect your future purchases, there is a product that you should buy first: a package storage box.

Rick Musson , an agent of the 21 -year -old police and Home security expert With insurance suppliers, says that "more and more companies are putting responsibility for the lost packages on beneficiaries and do not provide replacements". So this could be useful to invest in additional security.

"There are several options for locked boxes to contain packages until you can get them," said Musson. "These boxes are accessible by delivery staff, but once your package is inside, it is safer than if it was sitting on your steps."

2
Install a camera visible through your front door.

Packages being delivered to a home, as seen from a security camera.
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Of course, delivery drivers must really use your package storage box to make it effective and a 2022 Consumer report review Indicates that it is not always guaranteed. In this spirit, consider investing in a security camera visible to place near your front door, suggests Musson.

"A camera does not guarantee that your package will not be stolen, but it can show you when a package arrives so that you can make arrangements," he said. "If someone steals your package, the camera will also provide video evidence that can help identify the suspect."

In relation: The USPS postal inspector reveals how to prevent identity theft .

3
Invest in automatic lights and other safety mechanisms.

Exterior PIR LED security light seen glowing following body motion detection via its Infra Red sensor. Located by a garage door
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A video camera is not the only safety tool that can be useful for safe home delivery. Jeff Ketelaars ,, Home security expert And the co-founder of the security guards only, says that you should also consider installing other useful protective measures around your home.

"Porch pirates will generally attack at night, so have additional safety mechanisms such as door alarms and automatic lights can help dissuade them," said Ketelaars. "In addition, when used with cameras, it can help alert the device to pick up the audio and the visual flow and provide a clearer image."

4
Configure unique delivery instructions.

Man receiving a package at home and getting a notification on his cell phone
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However, not everyone can afford to buy additional safety devices to protect their orders. If you are looking for a protective measure for which you don't have to pay, Ketelaars recommends setting up unique delivery instructions.

"Although you want to facilitate instructions for mail, it is a good feature to use and experiment," notes Ketelaars. "For example, ask deliveries to access a side or rear door, or have them hide your package under furniture on the porch."

Musson also suggests making requests for lateral or rear door delivery, as these areas are less visible for people who go through your home.

"Thieves are generally looking for an easy target, and if they cannot see what they can take from the street, they may not do the work to look around more," he shares.

In relation: 6 warnings to customers of former Fedex employees .

5
Ask your neighbors to enter packages when you are outside the city.

Cropped shot of a delivery man handing over a package
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If you know that you will be delivered to your home while you are not there, Musson advises you to ask for the help of a trust neighbor, especially because it could turn into a more serious security risk.

"If the packages are seated on your before or your porch for several days, not only are they easy targets for thieves, but they are also a signal for passers -by that you are not at home, which could Transforming your home into a target for flight, "it warns.

To avoid this, ask your neighbors to take packages for you when you are outside the city.

"This will prevent your entry before appearing abandoned and will prevent your packages from being stolen," said Musson.

6
Use delivery notification systems.

Modern courier delivery at home, shopogolic and online shopping. Hands of lady holding smartphone with mobile app and map to track the order on digital screen on blurred background, collage, cropped
istock

According to Ketelaars, one of the best ways to protect your packages is to know exactly when they are going to be deposited. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Many messaging services now offer notifications to be sent in real time to your email or phone number to provide you with updates at the time your package is coming," he said. "You can use them to help you plan someone at home or ask a trusted neighbor to take the package for you."

7
Requests the signed delivery.

Close up hand of businessman signing on digital tablet while receiving parcel. Man signing delivery service document on tablet after receiving package. Signing digital document after receiving parcel from courier in office.
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Musson also recommends using signature requests when offered by a delivery company.

"You will not always have this option, but when it is available, the delivery man will leave no package unless he is signed," he explains. "After a few delivery attempts, you can recover the package from the delivery establishment at your convenience."

In relation: The USPS postal inspector reveals how to send checks to avoid flight .

8
Make larger orders instead of a lot of smaller.

Close up of woman sitting on the couch using credit card and laptop to shop online from home.
istock

You can also make changes with regard to the way you order products. Ketelaars tells Better life That it is safer for consumers to place a more important order both instead of many different different over time.

"Although the convenience of online purchases is undeniable, and it may be tempting to order necessities with the expedition the next day on Amazon constantly, you want to avoid having a constant flow of packages at your door," he said . "Instead, build your basket over a few weeks and order a large package that can be planned to be delivered while you are at home."

9
Keep your property clean.

Facade front view open door ATV quad bike motorcycle parking messy garage building with wooden siding at home driveway backyard and lawn path. House warehouse for tools and equipment . Garage sale.
istock

According to Ketelaars, another change that you can make to keep your packages safer is to clean up any size in your home, especially if you have expensive products on your property.

"The houses seem more desirable for potential thieves and pirates when they have a lot of precious items in Street Line View," he warns. "Do not forget to close your garage, keep valuables out of the porch and the car and lock bikes or outdoor equipment. Taking these measures will help you make your property mix and do not Not becomes an easy target. "

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Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: / Home / / Safety
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