Package Theft: Beat the Porch Pirates During the Holidays
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and year-end sales are the best times for online shopping. Since the start of online shopping, package theft has been a big issue, especially during the holidays. No matter the package value, having your package stolen is never a fun experience. According to security.org, the average American gets at least 3.5 packages per week and 17% of them have had a package stolen in the past three months worth about $50.
Whether you’ve fallen victim to porch pirates or just want to take precautions, here are some steps to follow if your package is missing and tips to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Tips to Prevent Porch Pirates
1. Package tracking
Most major shipping companies provide real-time updates on your package, from the time of the carrier pickup to when the package is delivered. If there's no detailed tracking information, copy the tracking ID and paste it into Google®. USPS® provides the status, date, time, and the package's whereabouts. Knowing how far away your package is can help you time out when you should get home to pick it up.
2. Doorbell camera
Doorbell cameras are increasingly popular. Having one visible could keep your home from being an easy target. If the camera doesn't deter package theft, it could provide you with evidence to help in filing theft reports.
Many types of doorbell cameras provide varying levels of home security. The system sends notifications to your phone whenever someone comes to your door. Take advantage of the two-way audio feature and ask the mailman to hide your package out of sight (or to let that porch pirate know that they’ve been caught).
3. Require a signature
If you don’t have a lockbox or doorbell camera, opt for “sign for delivery.” This way, the mail carrier can’t leave your package without a signature. Plan for you or someone else to be there to sign. Too many failed delivery attempts could result in returning your packages to the sender.
4. Secure delivery locations
Make all your worries go away by having your packages delivered to a secure location. Check with your employer and see if you can have packages sent to your work location. Shipping them there is a good idea if they are small and of high value and if you will be at work during delivery time.
Get a friend or family member who works from home or who's at home during the day to pick up your package once it is delivered. Make it easier for them and send it to their home instead.
5. Amazon® Hub Locker
Having packages shipped to your doorstep could be a thing of the past with Amazon Hub lockers. As one of their delivery options, you won’t have to worry about a stolen package anymore. The next one to see the package would be you. If you live in an apartment, check the front office. They may have an Amazon hub station for residents.
Package Theft
What do I do if my package is missing?
Before you claim that your package is gone, try these steps first:
Check the status of your package.
Delivery drivers can make mistakes or deliver late, even if your estimated delivery day may have passed. Double-check it was confirmed by the company.
Check all your mail.
Look through all your mail and packages in case you have overlooked them. Ask your family members. They may have picked them up for you.
Ask the neighbors.
If you live close to them, the mailman may have accidentally placed it at the wrong doorstep. Check with your neighbors to make sure they didn’t get any mail with your name on it.
How do I report my stolen package?
Get in touch with the sender.
Most companies are willing to help track down or replace your package. If necessary, you may get a refund for the inconvenience. Companies like Amazon® will refund you for packages that say it has been delivered but are not there.
Report it to the shipping company.
The problem may be with the shipper rather than the sender. Each shipping company may have different processes for dealing with stolen/missing packages. Check the app or website’s help section for the necessary steps you should take to report your missing package or contact them.
Since the pandemic, online shopping has become the top method of choice to buy most goods. Unfortunately, package theft rates have also seen an increase in recent years. By taking the steps outlined above, however, you should be able to lower your risk of package theft and will have a leg up on those pesky porch pirates.
To help protect your personal property and belongings already inside your home, ask your local Alfa® agent about our homeowner and renter's policies.