Package Stolen? Tips to Prevent Future Theft

With the rise of online shopping, package theft—often called "porch piracy"—has become an increasingly common problem. Whether you're waiting for an important delivery or just an everyday order, discovering a stolen package can be frustrating and costly. Fortunately, there are effective strategies you can implement to prevent this from happening again. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to protect your packages from thieves and keep your deliveries secure, so you can shop with peace of mind.

How common is parcel theft?

According to a study by Safewise, 260 million packages were stolen in the U.S. in 2022, and about 79% of Americans had experienced some form of package theft. Urban areas tend to see higher rates of porch piracy due to higher population density and frequent deliveries. Taking proactive measures to secure your packages is essential for avoiding such losses.

Types of Package Theft

Porch Piracy
Porch piracy is the most common type of package theft. It occurs when thieves steal deliveries left on doorsteps or porches. These thefts usually happen during the day when homeowners are at work or away, making packages in plain view easy targets. Porch pirates often act on impulse, taking advantage of packages left out in the open.

In-Transit Theft
In-transit theft happens when packages are stolen while being transported by delivery services. This can occur if a delivery truck is left unattended during a stop or even by insiders within the delivery process. Unlike porch piracy, in-transit theft is often more organized, with multiple individuals involved and detailed planning.

Insider Theft
Insider theft is committed by individuals with direct access to the delivery process, such as postal workers or package handlers. These thieves exploit their roles to intercept packages before they reach the recipient. Insider theft is particularly difficult to detect due to the insider knowledge of delivery procedures that the perpetrators have.

Effective Strategies to Prevent Package Theft

  1. Install security cameras
    Visible security cameras are one of the best ways to prevent porch piracy. Thieves are less likely to target your home if they see cameras recording the delivery area. In the event of a stolen package, footage can be invaluable when filing a police report or submitting a claim to the shipping company, seller, or insurance provider.

  2. Schedule deliveries
    When possible, schedule deliveries for times when you'll be home. Major services like FedEx, USPS, and Amazon offer options to customize delivery times or request packages to be left in secure locations, minimizing the chance of theft.

  3. Use secure delivery locations
    Request your delivery driver to leave packages in a hidden spot, such as behind a planter or at a side entrance, to keep them out of sight from potential thieves. You can also ask trusted neighbors to collect your package if you’re not home.

  4. Opt for in-store or locker pickups
    Instead of having packages left on your doorstep, consider picking them up from a secure location. Many retailers and delivery companies, such as Amazon and FedEx, offer lockers and in-store pickup options to guarantee a safe retrieval.

  5. Require signature on delivery
    Request the shipper or delivery company to require a signature upon delivery. This prevents the package from being left unattended and ensures it is handed directly to you or a trusted person.

  6. Track your packages
    Make use of shipping tracking services from FedEx, USPS, or Amazon. This allows you to monitor your delivery in real time and retrieve it as soon as it arrives, reducing the chance of it being stolen.

  7. File a police report if stolen
    If your package is stolen, promptly file a police report. While this won’t guarantee recovery, it may assist in filing claims with the delivery company, seller, or your insurance company.

  8. Report the theft to the shipper and seller
    After filing a police report, notify the shipping company or delivery company and the retailer. Many will offer a refund, replacement, or start a claim process for stolen packages.

  9. File a claim with your credit card company
    If you used a credit card to make the purchase, check with your credit card company to see if they offer purchase protection. Many credit cards provide coverage for lost or stolen packages, which can help you get a refund or replacement.

  10. Purchase insurance
    When shipping high-value items, always opt for shipping insurance. This provides coverage for your package in case it is stolen, ensuring you won't suffer a total loss.

By taking these steps, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of package theft and ensure you have the necessary protections in place if it does occur.

Kangaroo Home Security: Devices to Prevent Package Theft

Kangaroo Home Security offers a range of smart devices designed to enhance your home security and reduce the risk of package theft. Here are some effective solutions to consider:

  1. Kangaroo Photo Doorbell
    The Kangaroo Photo Doorbell provides a clear view of your doorstep, allowing you to monitor package deliveries through photo stitches in real-time.

  2. Kangaroo Video Doorbell
    The Kangaroo Video Doorbell provides a clear view of your doorstep, allowing you to monitor package deliveries in real time. With motion detection and two-way audio, you can communicate with delivery drivers and deter potential thieves before they get close to your packages.

  3. Kangaroo Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
    Both indoor and outdoor cameras from Kangaroo serve as an extra layer of protection. The outdoor cameras can capture activity around your home, while indoor cameras help you keep an eye on packages as they arrive. With cloud storage options, you can review footage if a package goes missing, making it easier to file police reports or claims with shipping companies.

  4. Kangaroo Motion Sensors
    These sensors can be strategically placed near your front porch or entryways to alert you when someone approaches your package. The instant notifications can prompt you to check your security cameras or communicate with delivery drivers to ensure safe package delivery.

By integrating these Kangaroo Home Security devices into your home, you can significantly reduce the risk of package theft and create a safer environment for your deliveries.

Kangaroo offers two distinct protection plans to ensure your home security is both robust and reliable, tailored to meet different needs and preferences.

Related Contents:
Stop Package Thefts with These Expert Tips
Outsmart the Porch Pirates: a Guide to Prevent Package Theft

Kangaroo Protection Plans For Your Packages

  1. Camera Protect Plan
    The Camera Protect Plan is designed to provide essential features for safeguarding your home. It includes:

    • 30-Day Cloud Storage: Benefit from 30 days of cloud storage for recorded video footage, allowing you to review and save crucial events. This feature ensures you have access to past recordings to verify incidents or provide evidence if needed.

    • $250 Theft + Damage Reimbursement: This plan offers $250 in reimbursement for theft and damage, providing extra reassurance in case of unexpected events.

    2. Complete Protect Plan
    For those seeking even more comprehensive protection, the Complete Protect Plan enhances the Camera Protect Plan’s benefits with additional features:

    • Professional Monitoring: Connects you to a 24/7 security team who are ready to alert authorities in case of emergencies. This professional monitoring ensures that your home is constantly overseen by a team of experts.

    • $1000 Theft + Damage Reimbursement: Enjoy increased coverage with $1000 in reimbursement for theft and damage. This higher reimbursement amount offers greater financial protection and peace of mind.

Effective Solutions: How Kangaroo Security Devices Reduce Package Theft

This data shows that Kangaroo’s security devices have successfully reduced the number of package theft incidents reported by our customers over the years. The ongoing improvements indicate that investing in Kangaroo’s video doorbell cameras and motion sensors can greatly strengthen your home’s defense against theft.


What Customers Are Saying About Kangaroo

Here’s what some customers have to say about their experiences with these innovative security devices.

We Had Burglars Arrested!
Recently, men in gloves tried to go through our car at 4 a.m. The Kangaroo alarm woke us up, and we saw the burglars on our security cameras. We called the police, who responded quickly and arrested them. Thank you, Kangaroo! I’ve told all my friends about this product. It works!
— Kingsman, Verified Amazon Purchase

Inexpensive and Effective!
I bought five motion detectors, and they worked perfectly out of the box. One day, a friend entered our house while we were away, and we both received alerts on our phones. Our alarms went off, and we checked the footage to see our friend arriving. This saved us from contacting a security agency or paying monthly fees. In just two minutes, we resolved the situation.
— Dan, Verified Amazon Purchase

Works Beyond Expectations!
I purchased the Kangaroo Doorbell Camera with Chime and loved it! I added a motion sensor to my mailbox at the end of the driveway, and it works well beyond the 15-foot range. Now, I get notifications on my phone when my mail arrives. The app was easy to install, and the instructions were excellent. 
— StarH, Verified Amazon Purchase

Stylish and User-Friendly — Highly Recommended!
We love our Kangaroo motion sensor! The design is sleek, and the app was quick to download. It connected easily to my phone and Wi-Fi, and testing was simple. After a previous break-in, having this sensor gives me peace of mind. I look forward to buying more Kangaroo security products!
— Todd S, Verified Amazon Purchase


Conclusion

From understanding the various types of theft, such as porch piracy and in-transit theft, to implementing effective prevention strategies like installing security cameras and engaging your neighbors, every step counts in protecting your packages.

Kangaroo Home Security offers innovative solutions, including their highly effective motion detectors and photo doorbells, to help you monitor your home and deter potential thieves. With affordable protection plans, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have reliable support in place.

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