GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The festive season brings joy, but for many it can also brings the threat of porch piracy.
Security.org reports a staggering 44 million Americans falling victim to porch pirates in just the past three month. The losses exceed $8 billion in merchandise. As these holiday hijackers become more prevalent, the need for effective countermeasures is more critical than ever.
One metro Atlanta resident humorously suggested her cat, Sherlock, as a potential guard against these thieves. However, more practical solutions are required to combat the issue effectively.
Sgt. Michele Pihera of the Gwinnett County Police Department emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps.
"There's a lot you can do to protect yourself from porch piracy," she said.
One key recommendation from Pihera is to utilize secure lockboxes for package delivery; it's a service many major delivery companies offer.
Echoing this sentiment, one resident and online shopper shared his strategy
"For items not very large, I ship them to a lockbox," he said.
Another shopper, advised having a plan.
"Make arrangements when you order something," she said.
For those who might not have access to lockboxes, Pihera suggested alternative methods.
"Have that delivered to a neighbor's house, like somebody who is retired and is always home," she recommended.
Pihera also advised homeowners to communicate with their delivery persons.
"Maybe leave a note on your front door or front window asking them to hide the item, maybe behind a bush or bench on your front porch," she said.
A final tip from Pihera involved scheduling deliveries strategically.
"No matter if you make your purchase on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, if you schedule your delivery for a Saturday, everything should arrive on that Saturday," she advised.
This holiday season, the key to keeping deliveries safe from porch pirates lies in being proactive and using the available resources smartly. Adopting these strategies lets shoppers enjoy a worry-free holiday, knowing their packages are safe and sound.
Below are some additional tips to stop porch pirates:
- Install a Security Camera: Set up a visible security camera that monitors your porch and the front of your home to deter thieves and capture footage if an incident occurs.
- Use Package Lockers: Utilize services like Amazon Locker or other secure pick-up locations where you can retrieve your packages on your own schedule.
- Request Signature on Delivery: Whenever possible, choose the option for signature confirmation upon delivery to ensure packages aren't left unattended.
- Schedule Deliveries for Presence: Arrange for packages to be delivered when you or someone else is home to receive them.
- Work with Neighbors: Coordinate with trustworthy neighbors to pick up each other’s packages if one of you is home during the day.
- Leverage Delivery Alerts: Sign up for delivery notifications to track your packages and retrieve them quickly after they’re dropped off.
- Use Smart Locks: Consider investing in smart locks where delivery services can place your packages securely inside your home or garage.
- Consider An Alternative Delivery Address: Have packages delivered to your workplace or a friend's home if they have more secure receiving options.
- Delivery Instructions: Provide specific delivery instructions for carriers to place packages in less visible or more secure spots.