Package Theft Prevention This Holiday Season
Estimates show that mail thieves stole more than 104 million packages nationwide last year, ultimately costing Americans about $15 billion. Year after year, thieves grow bolder in their package thefts. Several factors contribute to whether you’ll become the victim of package theft, so it’s important to practice package theft prevention.
Package thefts are more common amongst single-family homes and in multi-family dwellings. Thefts typically occur more frequently in urban areas, but it doesn’t mean that suburban or rural areas aren’t immune to package thefts.
Package Theft Prevention Tips: How to Prevent Package Theft
Follow these seven tips to boost your package theft prevention strategies at home.
1. Install Security Cameras
Monitoring your front porch with security cameras is a great package theft prevention tip. Cameras can monitor your property for package thieves and intruders. Highly visible cameras alone may deter thieves or intruders. Home Telecom’s HomeSmart offers a security package that includes an advanced video security system and 24/7 monitoring.
2. Grant Inside Access
If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can opt for Amazon Key, which gives Amazon delivery drivers (not other carriers) access to your garage so they can leave your packages indoors. Walmart+ InHome offers its own inside delivery service, with the option to have its couriers put groceries in your refrigerator if you’re not home. There are specific smart garage door requirements and membership options to qualify for these delivery services, so you’ll need to review information directly with Amazon and Walmart to see if you are eligible.
3. Provide Delivery Services With Special Instructions
Some package delivery services allow you to specify where you would like your package left to help package theft prevention. For example, USPS Informed Delivery, UPS My Choice and FedEx Delivery Manager allow you to leave specific instructions for delivery drivers about where you would like your package left. Examples include leaving the package with the building superintendent, by the back door, behind a pillar on the front porch, leaving it with a neighbor, placing a hold on a package or even rescheduling a delivery date. However, many of these services are not free, so you’ll need to review any contracts or pricing before participating.
USPS Informed Delivery is free to sign up for, and it sends you a daily email with pictures of your mail, notifying you of all the mail and USPS packages you will receive that day. We highly recommend you sign up for this free service so you can visually see which mail you expect to receive and know if anything doesn’t arrive or has been stolen.
4. Use Apps or Sign Up for Delivery Status to Track Packages
Sign up for alerts from major carriers to receive notifications if you’re expecting a package. You can often do this when you receive a specific tracking number from a store or a carrier. If you know the day and scheduled delivery time, you can be home to receive it. Check out this list of the top 10 best package tracking apps for iOS and Android.
5. Require a Signature on Packages
Some delivery services allow you to require a signature upon delivery to help with package theft prevention. You can also pick up a package locally if you aren’t home on the delivery date and time.
6. Use Lockers or Pickup Locations
Many Amazon purchases can be delivered to an Amazon Locker in urban areas. These self-service lockers are typically located inside retail establishments, which provides greater security. There is no charge for this service. Learn more about Amazon pickup locations.
7. Additional Package Theft Prevention Strategies
Sometimes small packages arrive in the mail box. Here are some additional helpful tips for package theft prevention.
- Never send cash in the mail.
- Don’t leave any mail (even outgoing) in an unattended, unlocked mail receptacle. If you’re out of town or can’t pick up your mail, consider requesting a mail hold or asking a neighbor or friend to pick it up.
- Consider installing a locked mailbox, but check with your local postmaster for any regulations or restrictions.
- Some carriers may consider delivering to a bolted-down, locked mail delivery bin on porches. You will need to contact the delivery companies in your area first to see if they are willing to use a key code to leave deliveries in the secure box.
Home Telecom’s HomeSmart Security Works for Package Theft Prevention
Home Telecom’s HomeSmart security offers superior peace of mind by providing comprehensive home security services for additional package theft prevention. Whether you’re looking for home security, video monitoring and remotely accessing your home’s locks and lighting systems or remote access to temperature control, our HomeSmart security has you covered. Learn more about HomeSmart security today.
