Having an item delivered to the proper address does not guarantee buyers will receive it. According to a Security.org study, package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year. Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Carolinas (BBB) has tips for consumers to help discourage potential thieves this holiday season.
“Giving gifts can be just as fun as receiving them, so we want to help consumers avoid having porch pirates taking them,” Mallory Wojciechowski, BBB President and CEO, said. “Package theft is a crime of opportunity. We recommend shoppers have packages delivered to a place where they can be monitored or to have a friend or neighbor grab your delivery while you’re out of town.”
Package thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” often take advantage of an opportunity and may frequent a neighborhood or community multiple times before moving on to another. They will often target houses that provide a quick in-and-out route, especially if the porch or area where packages are delivered is within 25 feet of the street and is easily visible.
BBB Provides Tips to Deter Porch Pirates:
• Don’t leave unattended packages. If you are expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you will be home. Ask your neighbors if they mind holding on to packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time. Some retailers (like Amazon, a BBB Accredited Business) offer “garage delivery” to avoid having packages sitting out in the open.
• Ship to store or post office box. If purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages they have received. Some online retailers offer delivery to a pickup location or delivery locker within another store that has a physical location near you. Check your delivery options when ordering. If porch pirates are often in your area, consider renting a post office box to receive package deliveries; the cost may outweigh the headaches.
• Customize your delivery. Add specific delivery notes when placing an order so drivers know where to leave packages. Use your delivery company’s app or website to redirect a package to another address or pickup point if you won’t be home. Reschedule delivery for a day or time when you’ll be available to accept the package.
• Use a security camera. Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when the system is highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is under surveillance. Set up your camera alerts so that you know exactly when the package is delivered. Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of internet-connected devices and research before you purchase).
• Require a signature. Many delivery companies offer the option to require a signature before leaving a package, allowing you to take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works well for those who are often at home, especially for expensive items, it may make receiving packages difficult if your schedule and the delivery service differ, so do your research. Be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return them to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
• Opt-in to notifications. Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop. Opt-in to shipping-related emails. Set up notifications on your smartphone or in an app to remind you of the expected delivery date and time.
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Article contributed by the Better Business Bureau.
