In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop, allowing us to order everything from groceries to electronics with just a few clicks. With this convenience comes a new problem: porch pirates.
People who steal packages (and while they’re at it, children’s toys, lawn ornaments, and other loose items) from other people’s homes – are becoming more common, and more brazen. Despite the economic slowdown caused by COVID 19 from 2020 to 2022, online shopping increased. Since the pandemic, parcel delivery volumes – and thefts – have increased more than anyone predicted before 2019.
In the U.S. e-commerce sales now comprise one-sixth of all domestic sales, or $1.2 trillion annually. About 80% of Americans shop online. Related crime is keeping pace: 58 million, or 16% of the U.S. population, report being victims of package theft. Packages have an average value of $204; the total value of stolen packages will be $12 billion in 2024.
About 65% of British Columbians shop online. FedEx Canada reported that 19% of B.C. residents have reported having deliveries stolen from their front porch.
Unattended parcels create opportunities for theft. With a few precautions, you can minimize the likelihood of losing items to pirates.
Consider Options for Home Delivery
Package security starts before you complete your purchase. Consider having the item delivered to your place of work, to the vendor’s store location convenient to you, or to a third-party location. Some courier services offer pick-up locations such as a local convenience store, Canada Post office, or major retailer such as Staples.
Sellers of high-value merchandise such as jewellery offer protection plans, that is, insurance that covers the cost of the item while in transit. Discuss this option with the seller at time of purchase.
Track Your Package
Delivery services constantly upgrade their systems to provide customers with as much security and control as possible to stay a step ahead of the problem. After finalizing your purchase, sign up for tracking updates. You can track its progress and see when it’s on the truck for delivery. You’ll be notified as soon as the package has been delivered.
Require Signature on Delivery
In most cases, delivery drivers simply leave packages on porches or at front doors. But for high-value items, the vendor may provide an option to require a signature on delivery. In that case, the driver can’t leave the package unless you’re there to sign.
Get To Know the Delivery People
Delivery drivers tend to work the same route. If you’ve noticed that the same delivery people are stopping by your home, get to know them. You may be able to share with them your preferences about where to leave packages, so they are less likely to be stolen.
If they notice something that seems odd at your home, they might be more likely to simply leave you a notice rather than the package.
Install a Porch Drop Box
If you receive packages frequently, a porch package box might be a worthwhile investment. These boxes typically have an opening at the top for couriers to deposit packages that fall into a secure compartment at the bottom. Some can be bolted to your porch or weighed down with sand or weights. Some models also connect to the internet, allowing you to receive alerts when there is a package and to lock or unlock the box’s secure compartment from your smartphone. Drop boxes come in a range of price points, depending on size and features.
Go High-Tech
Video doorbells can deter would-be porch pirates. When someone rings the doorbell, you can see a live video feed and have a two-way conversation with your visitor.
Outdoor security cameras can be inexpensive and easy to install. Seeing the devices in place may discourage thieves; motion detector lights will be a further deterrent. Some thieves are not deterred and rely on speed to grab and go. If that’s the case, you will have video footage to share with police. Security cameras can be motion-activated and equipped with night vision.
Network With Neighbours
If you’re not able to be home during the delivery, perhaps a neighbour can watch for your delivery.
Neighbours looking out for each other goes beyond package retrieval to property security and personal safety. Programs like Block Watch provide direction, training, and materials to volunteers interested in keeping their neighbourhoods safe. Through the Block Watch Society of BC, municipalities and local police encourage residents to take a proactive approach to crime prevention and safety. There are Block Watch coordinators in many B.C. communities.
Many neighbourhoods take a less formal approach by setting up a Facebook page where neighbours can share information, photos, and porch-cam footage.
Opportunity plays a role in all crimes. Porch pirates depend on everyday movements of activity – items delivered and left unattended and in plain view for a period of time. But with a few preventive steps, you can reduce or eliminate those opportunities for theft.
