10 proven ways to protect your packages from holiday thieves

As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving also brings the looming threat of porch pirates—those opportunistic thieves who snatch packages from doorsteps before they can be retrieved. With package theft on the rise, especially during this busy shopping period, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your deliveries. Here are 10 ways to help you protect your packages from being stolen, ensuring that your holiday cheer remains intact.

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Package theft surging

Package theft is on the rise as more people shop online for the holidays. According to a Package Theft Statistics survey, more than one-quarter of consumers (26%) have had a package stolen from their doorstep at least once. The 2024 holiday season is expected to see more of these thieves who target your deliveries. That’s why it’s time to take action and protect your packages from being snatched by porch pirates.

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How to protect packages from being stolen

By far, the most useful innovation in years for package delivery security is the video doorbell.  It catches crooks on video, pure and simple.

Strategy #1:  Deter porch pirates with a video doorbell

Depending upon how well your police department responds to porch pirate package theft, position your video doorbell to capture the face of the pirate and your package deliveries.

Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro

Vivint also offers the Doorbell Camera Pro, which can be an effective deterrent against package thieves or “porch pirates” by providing video evidence of any suspicious activity. This advanced camera provides clear footage day and night, helping you keep an eye on your deliveries and deter potential package thieves. If you don’t think you’re handy enough to install a security camera yourself, don’t worry. Vivint makes it easy with its professional installation.

SPECIAL OFFER:  Get a FREE Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro* | Call 1-833-465-4747 and mention code CYBERGUY

Click here or call now for a free quote at 833-465-4747. You can chat with a Smart Home Pro and get answers to all your home security questions.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is certainly one of the more common types of wired video doorbells you might see, and for good reason. The doorbell comes with some great features, including Head-to-Toe HD+ Video, Two-Way Talk with Audio+, 3D Motion Detection, built-in Alexa Greetings when you get a Ring Protect Plan subscription, and customizable privacy settings. And if you get that Ring Protect Plan, you can record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos and photos. At the time of publishing, this product had over 6,900 global reviews, with 79% giving it 5 stars.

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Google Nest Doorbell

The Google Nest Doorbell is an excellent option because it doesn’t require a subscription on top of purchasing the doorbell itself. It will warn you on your smartphone when something is at your door, whether it be a person, an animal, a package, or something else. You can check it 24/7 without having to replace the batteries, and you get 3 hours of free event video history included in the Google Home app.

Get Google Nest Doorbell

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Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro

The Wyze Wireless Video Doorbell Pro is easy to set up because it doesn’t involve any wires, screws, or hassle. You can simply mount it to the front of your home in under 30 seconds. It was built with a 1440×1440 fuller-than-HD sensor, which gives you 33% more visibility than an average HD camera. Plus, you get up to up to 3 months of battery life before it needs to be recharged.

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Blink Video Doorbell 

Another great option for you to consider is the Blink Video Doorbell. It comes with 1080p HD day and infrared night video options, as well as two-way audio for you to communicate with whoever is at your doorstep at any time of the day. You can also get a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan which gives you access to saving and sharing clips in the Cloud. Choose to save and share clips in the cloud with a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan or locally with the Sync Module 2 and USB drive (each sold separately).

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Then there’s this powerful cam with flood lights to help deter criminals.

WYZE Floodlight Camera Pro

WYZE Floodlight Camera Pro is a smart outdoor security camera that combines powerful floodlights with a 2K HD camera to capture every detail of your home’s surroundings. With a 180° wide view, motion detection, color night vision, and a 105dB siren, you can monitor and deter any unwanted visitors from anywhere using the WYZE app. You can also store your recordings on the cloud or a microSD card for easy access and playback. Whether you want to keep an eye on your front door, backyard, or driveway, WYZE Floodlight Camera Pro is the perfect solution for your home surveillance needs. It is easy to install and requires a wired connection to a standard outdoor junction box.

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Pro tip: In addition to installing the doorbell camera, it’s also a smart idea to position the camera to have a clear view of your porch. This can help you file a police report and potentially recover stolen packages in the event of theft.

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Strategy #2: Pick a delivery date

Get packages delivered on a day you know someone will be home to receive them.   Amazon and several retailers offer to ship for delivery on specific days of the week.  That way, it is easier to monitor when packages are most likely to arrive and when they can be safely stashed.

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Strategy #3: Sign up for delivery notifications

You can get an alert each time a package arrives at your doorstep.  Both FedEx and UPS will send a text when you’ve just received a delivery.  Amazon will also send you a shipment text letting you know a package was just delivered.

To set up Amazon delivery notifications, follow these quick steps.

• Log on to the Amazon site
• Go to Your Account section here
• Scroll down to the Communication and Content section
• Tap Shipment Updates via Text
• Follow the on-screen instructions and then tap Subscribe

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Strategy #4:  Talk to your delivery drivers

Say hello to the folks normally delivering packages. If you are not home, ask them to place your deliveries in a less visible spot. The key is getting your packages out of view of opportunistic porch pirates who may be driving by looking for easy prey.

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Strategy #5: Send your packages to Amazon lockers

Opting for delivery to a nearby lockbox called Amazon Lockers is a very secure method to dodge package theft in many cities.  I tried it once and found it to be a hassle to make an extra trip to receive deliveries, but it is indeed more secure than leaving an order on my porch.  You get notified when packages are awaiting your retrieval.  You enter the Locker code to get your items.  See how far away the nearest Amazon Locker is located from your home. Find the nearest Amazon Locker.

If you don’t have an Amazon account, here are 9 best features of Amazon Prime that may convince you of a membership and here are 5 ways to get a cheaper Amazon Prime membership.

Strategy #6: Add a locking delivery box

Using a locking delivery box can help you protect your packages from porch pirates. These boxes are accessible only to people who have a key, scan a code, or enter a passcode, and they hold your packages securely until you’re ready to take them inside.

Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box

The Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box is a secure and convenient way to receive packages and mail. It is made of heavy-gauge steel and powder-coated in black to resist weather and wear. The box has a large capacity that can hold multiple parcels of various sizes. It also has a retrieval door with a pry-resistant 3-point locking mechanism and a yellow “No Deliveries” indicator to prevent overloading. The Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box can be easily installed on any flat surface and comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions. It is a perfect solution for online shoppers, home-based businesses, or anyone who wants to protect their deliveries from theft, damage, or bad weather.

Get Elephantrunk Parcel Box 

Strategy #7: Amazon key in-garage delivery

We added a strong deadbolt to the door leading into the house from the garage before signing up.  Now, when we are not home, an Amazon delivery can be placed securely inside our garage using the free service called Amazon Key.   The addition of a smart garage controller is the first step.   Once you’ve signed up for Amazon Key In Garage Delivery, pick Key Delivery when checking out on Amazon to have your packages securely put in the garage. I really like that you can block access to your garage any time you want.  The driver never needs your garage code, and access only works for their one-time delivery. Put in your zip code here to see if the free Amazon Key service is available in your area.

Chamberlain Garage Control

The Chamberlain Smart Garage Control (myQ-G0401-ES) is a wireless garage hub and sensor that allows you to control, secure, and monitor your garage door from anywhere using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It features smartphone control via the myQ app, easy installation, and compatibility with most garage door openers manufactured after 1993. The white, compact design blends seamlessly with your home, and it supports Amazon Key for secure in-garage delivery.

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Strategy #8: Monitor nearby package theft reports

Sign up for neighborhood porch pirate alerts from popular local networks like Neighbors and Nextdoor apps.  This is where people often post when they’ve had a package stolen and sometimes upload videos or images of the suspected porch pirates.   We’ve been about to identify a suspected porch pirate previously seen on one of these neighborhood apps so that our friends and neighbors can also be on the lookout for these package thieves that seem to strike in seconds flat.

Strategy #9: Request a signature confirmation

Another way to prevent package theft is to request a signature confirmation for your deliveries. This means that the delivery person will not leave the package at your door unless someone signs for it. You can request a signature confirmation from most delivery services, such as FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL. This option may cost extra, but it can give you peace of mind that your package will not be stolen.

Strategy #10: Use a trusted neighbor or package concierge service

If you’re expecting a delivery while you’re away, consider enlisting the help of a trusted neighbor or friend. Ask them to pick up your package shortly after it arrives to ensure it’s not left unattended for long. Alternatively, use a package concierge service or a local business that offers package holding. Many neighborhoods have independent lockers or retailers (like convenience stores or dry cleaners) that accept and securely hold packages for pickup. These solutions add an extra layer of protection, especially during the busy holiday season.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Protecting your packages from porch pirates requires vigilance and smart strategies. Implementing these tips—ranging from using technology like video doorbells to opting for secure delivery options—can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Remember, staying informed about local theft trends and communicating with your delivery personnel can also enhance your package security.

Have you ever experienced package theft, and how did you handle the situation? Let us know in the comments below.

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