As the holiday shopping season gets started and more people are shopping online, the threat of having your packages stolen from your doorstep continues growing.
One of the modern plagues during the holiday season is the emergence of “porch pirates” — the thieves that cruise neighborhoods looking for packages that have been delivered on people’s doorsteps by UPS, FedEx and other delivery services.
Thefts of packages from front porches have become a nationwide epidemic, with Americans losing 241 million packages worth $15.7 billion to porch pirates in 2024, according to research by Omnisend.
One of the difficulties in thwarting porch pirates is that it is most often a crime of convenience. Typically, someone sees a package sitting on a doorstep and there are no cars in the driveway, so they walk up and grab it.
Solutions
Fortunately, there are new services and products on the market that can help reduce the chances of having one of your packages stolen after it’s been delivered.
Loxx Boxx — Loxx Boxx works by providing a secure, smart storage container for deliveries that can be accessed by a temporary code, and delivery drivers access it using this code, which can be the last four digits of the tracking number or a code you create in the app.
After the delivery is made, the box locks automatically, and you receive a notification on your smartphone app, which is connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Landport — The box, which is bolted down, has an electronic keypad on which a delivery driver enters a unique access code to open the lid. They place the package in the box and shut it, and it locks by itself.
Amazon Key — When a delivery arrives at your house and you’re not home, the courier scans a barcode that sends a request to Amazon’s cloud. If it’s approved, Amazon remotely unlocks your door and the delivery is left inside the house.
Amazon Locker — Use the online zip code locator to find a locker near you, and use that as your delivery address. It’s free to use — and if you’re a Prime member, you’re entitled to free two-day shipping.
Package Guard — Place this WiFi-connected large disk on your doorstep, instructing delivery people to place packages on top of it. If a thief attempts to steal the package or the device itself, a loud siren will be activated.
Other things you can do
- When paying for your online shopping, check the “signature required” box. This is an option with all the major services, like UPS, FedEx, DHL and the USPS.
- Sign up for a paid package-receiving service that will receive and protect your packages until you can pick them up.
- Set up a security camera.
- Install motion-sensor lights.