Safe in 60: How to Lower Your Chances of Porch Pirate Package Theft
Dec 10, 2018, 7:00 AM | Updated: 11:47 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Most of us will buy some, if not all, of our holiday gifts online. The convenience comes with some risk: according to Safewise, Salt Lake City ranks second in the nation for package thefts.
Those porch pirates are out in full-force during the holiday season. If you have packages delivered, there are a few things you can do to lower your changes of having one swiped before you bring it inside.
The best solution – have the items shipped to your office or a secure post office box.
If they are going to your house, track the deliveries online or sign up for delivery notifications. Several companies will email or text when the delivery service is a few stops out.
If you won’t be at home, those delivery notifications help you know when to arrange for a neighbor or friend to pick up the package for you as soon as it’s delivered.
Many shipping companies will allow you to include specific drop-off instructions, so a package can be placed in a more discreet location. For U.S. Post Office deliveries, you can add instructions here. You can also have the post office hold mail for you to pick up.
If you have a doorbell or security camera on your porch, it may help deter a thief. If not, the video may help police identify the porch pirate if your package is stolen.
If you are the victim of a package theft, notify the package carrier or company where you purchased the item. Contact the police, and provide any evidence – such as video – that may help them identify the thief.
And finally, file a report with the United States Postal Inspection Service.