Package Theft: 5 Home Security Tips to Prevent Your Packages from Being Stolen | By Jordan Frankel

With the majority of consumers now shopping online, residential crime in the form of package theft is on the rise. According to a report by NBC News, an estimated 23 million residents across the United States have had a package stolen from their home.

As many news reports have shown via hidden camera footage, most package thefts occur during the daytime hours. Some thieves walk around neighborhoods looking for packages; others locate their victims by following delivery trucks around. Because it only takes a matter of seconds for a thief to steal a package, the theft can occur even when a resident is home. 

To prevent package theft, home security expert, Jordan Frankel, recommends taking the following steps to decrease your risk.

5 Home Security Tips to Prevent Package Theft

1. Have your packages delivered to your place of employment or an alternative delivery location.

The majority of deliveries are made during daylight hours. If you work most weekdays, consider setting up delivery to your work’s location. You can also request family to do the same when they mail packages to you for special occasions. Another option is to have your packages mailed to the house of a friend, neighbor, or family member that you know will be home during the time of delivery.

Most mail delivery services, including the United States Postal Service, also offer alternative locations where you can have packages delivered or picked up. These alternative locations include local grocery stores and other businesses that have agreed to be part of a point of delivery network. All you have to do is sign up and select the most convenient location for you.

2. Find out the best time and location for delivering packages to your recipients before mailing them.

When mailing gifts and other items to friends and family, find out the best time and location for mailing their packages. Share with them what you’ve learned about package theft and alternative delivery options. Discussions like this can go along way and help avoid the loss of not only your package, but also all the time, money, and sentiment that went into it. 

3. When mailing packages to friends and family, require a signature for delivery. 

Requiring a signature from the mail recipient is a great way to guarantee your package doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. This service usually involves a small fee, but it is worth it, especially when mailing items of value.

4. Keep a look out for unfamiliar people and vehicles in your neighborhood and notify law enforcement.

Research shows that neighbors that keep a look out for one another experience less residential crimes. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle shortly after a delivery truck has made its rounds, call 911. Be ready to describe what the person looks like and what they are wearing or driving. If possible, provide the dispatcher with the license plate number. 

In addition, talk to your neighbors about the increase in package theft and encourage them to keep a look out. Ask them if it’s okay for you to pick up their packages from their porch when they’re not home. Let them know you’d appreciate the same.

5. Install a home security camera to deter thieves from stealing your packages.

Though a security camera cannot stop a thief from stealing packages, it can help deter criminals. For this to work, display the surveillance camera in view but high enough that it can’t be tampered with. The more cameras you have, the better. A wireless surveillance camera system that includes multiple cameras, a DVR (for recording video footage), and a portable monitor will give you essentially everything you need to monitor your property and let criminals know that you take home security seriously. 

Prevent Your Packages from Being Stolen

Package theft is a year-round problem. Take action today and follow the home security tips above to reduce the risk of package theft. If there is someone you know who could benefit from this article, be sure to share it with them.

For more expert insights from Jordan Frankel, check out this article on auto theft: https://shattergard.com/security-tips/auto-theft-in-the-united-states-important-stats-facts-tips-to-help-avoid-becoming-the-next-victim/