How to Stop Porch Pirates

According to a SafeWise report released in November, porch piracy has increased by 23% over the last year. Now, 3 in 4 Americans have had deliveries stolen from their doorstep. Those are some horrifying facts. Especially with the holidays approaching. It begs the question - how do we stop porch piracy? Well, in this post, you’ll find the 8 best ways to thwart porch pirates and keep your treasure safe!

What is a Porch Pirate?

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For those who don’t know - a porch pirate is not a home visit from Captain Jack Sparrow. So unfortunately, no Johnny Depp at your doorstep. A porch pirate is someone who steals packages from your porch. And in the days of Amazon deliveries, porch theft is a lot more common.

8 Best Ways to Stop Porch Pirates

1. Require a Signature

A lot of big carriers offer the option to require a signature upon delivery. This is a simple but effective way to stop porch pirates. If you’re not there to sign, then the driver can’t leave the package!

Granted, if you’re not home during the day, this option may not be the best. To add to that, missed deliveries can result in items being sent back to the sender. However, if it is a viable option for you, it’s well worth considering. Better to wait until you’re in to sign than to have an expensive package sit on the porch all day.

This is important 👉 : If you’re a seller using Ship.com to ship, it’s super simple to make sure your package requires a signature. All you need to do is select the checkbox “require signature” when purchasing your labels. One-click is all it takes. 😉

2. Invest in a porch lockbox

If you’re going to be receiving a lot of deliveries this holiday season, a porch lockbox is worth the investment.

Think of a porch lockbox like a giant safe for packages. A code or key is required to open the box. Some also have a little slot for delivery drivers to drop smaller items. But for larger items, whoever is delivering the package is going to need to open the lockbox.

If you order an item online, you can leave instructions on how to open your lockbox and lock it securely. You can also include the code or the hidden location of the key. As a result, only you and the delivery driver have access and your packages are kept safe.

Are porch lockboxes worth it? They can be a costly option at $150 and over. That being said, nearly $19 billion worth of packages has been lost in the last 12 months. So it may be way more costly and risky not to have one!

3. Make use of package receiving services and lockers

You order a lot of packages, but you work a 9-5 job and you’re barely ever around to receive them. Problem.

The solution? Using a package receiving and locker services. This way, you can have peace of mind and know that your packages are secure. You can pick them up when it’s convenient for you. Plus, you’ll prevent porch pirates from getting their grubby hands on them!

Big carriers like UPS have locker services available. There’s also always the option to use a USPS post office box.

To add to that, Amazon has Amazon Locker. With Amazon Locker, all you need to do is simply pop in your ZIP Code to find a locker nearby. Then, you can use that as your delivery address. Did we mention that it’s FREE to use?

4. Buy a Package Guard

Another nifty little security device to help you thwart porch pirates is a Package Guard. It’s different to the lockbox, but similarly effective.

How does it work? Well, if an opportunist porch thief decides to try and take your package, the Package Guard will sound a loud alarm. And the only way to turn the alarm off is through the Package Guard app. Only you can do that.

All you need to do is connect it to your WiFi, put it on your porch, and tell your delivery guy to place your packages on top. Want a sure-fire way to stop porch pirates from stealing your orders? Try a screaming alarm that they can’t turn off.

5. Install a video doorbell

With an ever-increasing amount of home deliveries, more and more people have installed video doorbells like Ring.

They’re a great way to give delivery drivers instructions when you’re not home through the two-way audio. And, because they tell you when someone is on your porch, they can be used to repel porch pirates!

Cameras generally scare thieves and burglars off. According to research, nearly 90% of thieves would move onto another home if they can spy some form of security system. Plus, two-way talk can also be used to tell them to keep their hands off!

To add to that, you can get a quality video doorbell for around $100. So they’re pretty affordable. They’re also super easy to install.

6. Install a dummy security system

If a home security system would stop nearly 90% of porch pirates in their tracks - wouldn’t it make sense to get one? Well, yes. But, for some people that could be too expensive. So, here’s an alternative. Set up a ‘dummy’ security system.

You can get super realistic fake surveillance cameras and install them around your home. For example, these Fake BNT Cameras cost just $20 each. If you’re on a budget, this is a great option to make package thieves think twice. The mere sight of cameras can send thieves running.

7. Get a real home security system (and make it clear you have one!)

It may be more worth your while installing a proper home security system. After all, they are becoming more affordable. And make it clear you have a security system with signs to deter porch pirates even more.

Some DIY security systems can cost as low as $250 these days. So start with 4 cameras placed around your home, put up some signs, and scare off those pesky package thieves!

8. Make use of order tracking

Lastly, the easiest way to prevent porch piracy - order tracking.

By using your tracking information, you can pick your package up right after it’s dropped off. If you’re not home, make sure you tell your neighbor and notify them when the package has been delivered, so they can pick it up.

This seems like common sense, and it is. But reducing the time your package spends on the porch is key to preventing porch piracy.

Want a great way to track and thwart porch pirates? With the Ship.com mobile app you can get delivery notifications and see your order status all in one place. To add to that, you can also share real-time delivery updates with family, friends and neighbors. So you can have peace of mind and know that your packages are safe and sound. 😀

Conclusion - Make ‘Em Walk the Plank!

There are multiple ways you can stop porch pirates from stealing your packages. Consider your lifestyle and the porch theft patterns in your area. From here, choose which porch pirate repellent to use!

If you’re out working during the day and have a bit of $ to spare, you may want to invest in a lockbox or a security doorbell. Or, if you have a neighbor that’s home during the day, use tracking and notify them when your package has arrived. Then, they can take it in.

Choose whichever strategy you think will work best in your situation. From everyone at Ship.com - let’s make porch pirates walk the plank!