Package Theft 101: Don't Let Your Deliveries Disappear!
Have you ever received the dreaded “Delivery Attempted” notification, only to check your porch and find… nothing? Package theft, also known as porch piracy, is on the rise as online shopping becomes a way of life. But don’t worry—there are simple steps you can take to safeguard your deliveries. Here’s your ultimate guide to preventing package theft and ensuring your packages stay in your hands.
Why Thieves Target Your Packages
Package thieves are opportunists. They look for easy targets—unattended boxes left on doorsteps. With everything from electronics to clothing being delivered, it's a low-risk, high-reward crime. Thieves often target residences with:
No visible security measures: Homes without cameras or signs of someone being home are more appealing.
Packages left in open areas: Boxes visible from the street are easy targets.
Deliveries during work hours: Thieves often strike when they know people are likely to be away.
Did you know?
17% of Americans reported having a package stolen in the last three months alone (2023, Security.org).
During the holiday season, concerns about package theft spike, with 88% of adults expressing worry.
Understanding the problem is the first step toward finding the right solution.
Secure your Front Door:
Sign Up for Delivery Alerts: Most delivery companies offer notification options. Know when your package is coming and be ready to receive it.
Request a Signature Release: For high-value items, consider requiring a signature upon delivery. This forces someone to be present to receive the package.
Think Outside the Porch: If you're worried about leaving packages unattended, consider alternative delivery locations. Can you have it delivered to your office, a trusted neighbor, or an Amazon Locker?
Deterrence Is Key: Stop Thieves in Their Tracks
Be a Box Buster
Invest in a secure lockbox for your porch. Lockboxes like delivery security bins can bolt to your doorstep and require a code to open.
Install Security Cameras
A visible security camera is one of the best theft deterrents. Kangaroo's Indoor & Outdoor Camera offers features like night vision, motion detection, and cloud storage. Plus, the footage can be invaluable if you need to file a police report.
Light Up Your Porch
Motion sensor lights can startle potential thieves and make your home less inviting to criminals.
Post a Warning
A simple "Beware of Dog" sign—even if you don't have a dog—can deter thieves from targeting your home.
What to Do If Your Package Is Stolen: Post-Theft Checklist
Report the Theft
To the Retailer: Many retailers, like Amazon, offer refunds or replacements for stolen packages.
To the Delivery Service: File a report with USPS, FedEx, or UPS. They may assist in tracking or recovering the package.
To the Police: Especially for high-value items, create an official record of the theft. This can help with insurance claims.
Review Your Home Security
Assess your current setup and consider upgrades like cameras or lockboxes to prevent future theft.
Package Theft Statistics You Should Know
Ordering online has become a way of life, but the convenience comes with a growing concern: package theft. These disappearing deliveries are a major frustration for consumers, with statistics reflecting a significant problem.
Here's a look at some eye-opening statistics on package theft
Target Rich Environment: A whopping 17% of Americans reported having a package stolen in the past three months, according to a 2023 study by Security.org [Security.org Package Theft Statistics]. This translates to millions of frustrated consumers each year.
Costly Consequences: The financial impact of package theft is substantial. Security.org estimates that stolen packages amounted to over $8 billion in merchandise during the past year [Security.org Package Theft Statistics].
Holiday Hotspots: Package thefts tend to spike during the holiday season. Security.org's report highlights that 88% of adults worry about theft around the holidays, with a significant portion feeling "extremely" or "very" concerned [Security.org Package Theft Statistics].
Under-Reported Crime: Despite the prevalence of package theft, many incidents go unreported. Security.org's study reveals that fewer than one in seven package thefts are reported to the police [Security.org Package Theft Statistics], making it difficult to track the full scope of the problem.
Kangaroo Home Security: Your Theft Prevention Solution
Kangaroo offers affordable, easy-to-use solutions to protect your home and deliveries:
Features: Night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio to scare off intruders.
Why Choose It? Monitor your porch in real time and capture clear evidence if theft occurs.
Features: Captures images when motion is detected or the doorbell is pressed.
Perfect For: Easy installation and monitoring on a budget—no complex wiring needed!
Features: All the perks of the Photo Doorbell, plus video recording and night vision.
Why Choose It? Communicate with visitors through the Kangaroo app and keep an eye on deliveries when you’re away.
Kangaroo Protection Plans: Keeping You Covered
Kangaroo Home Security offers peace of mind not just with security features, but also with reimbursement plans in case of theft or damage. Here's a breakdown of our coverage options:
Cam Protect: Essential Coverage for Everyday Incidents
Reimbursement: $250 annually, with a maximum of $125 per claim.
Coverage: This plan reimburses you for losses due to theft or damage to your Kangaroo devices or covered accessories.
Ideal for: Those looking for basic coverage for their Kangaroo equipment in case of incidents like porch pirates stealing a doorbell camera or accidental damage to a sensor.
Complete Protect: Comprehensive Coverage for Complete Security
Reimbursement: $1,000 annually, with a maximum of $500 per claim (up to two claims per year).
Coverage: This plan offers all the benefits of Cam Protect, plus additional coverage for theft and damage to your home contents (not just Kangaroo devices).
Ideal for: Homeowners who want broader protection for their belongings in case of break-ins, leaks, or other covered events.
FAQs: Your Package Theft Questions Answered
Preventing Package Theft
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A: You're not alone—package theft, or porch piracy, is a growing concern. Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies to keep those sticky-fingered thieves away:
Delivery Lockers: Use an Amazon Locker, FedEx Locker, or USPS Parcel Locker for secure package delivery. These act as a package locker, holding your item until you pick it up with a unique code.
Security Systems: Invest in a home security system with doorbell camera, security cameras or a video doorbell. Visible cameras can deter porch pirates, and a video doorbell captures footage of a stolen package, helping authorities track down the thief.
Delivery Alerts: Sign up for delivery notifications from carriers like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. Alerts help you stay informed and retrieve your package shortly after delivery.
Delivery Manager Services: Services like FedEx Delivery Manager allow you to reroute packages, authorize neighbors to receive them, or schedule a specific delivery time.
Amazon Hub: Check if an Amazon Hub is available near you. These mini fulfillment centers ensure secure package delivery, similar to Amazon Lockers.
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A: Absolutely! Here are additional ways to safeguard your deliveries:
Request a Signature Delivery: For high-value items, require a signature upon delivery. This ensures your package isn't left unattended for porch pirates to grab.
Ask a Neighbor to Help: Let a trusted neighbor know about your delivery schedule. They can retrieve your package and keep it safe if you're not home.
Install a Lockbox: Consider adding a package locker or lockbox on your porch. Delivery drivers can place packages inside, secured with a code.
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A: Security cameras are a powerful deterrent for porch pirates. A visible camera or video doorbell can discourage thieves from targeting your home. If a theft occurs, the footage captured by the camera can serve as evidence for law enforcement or your delivery company to investigate the incident. Modern security cameras often include features like motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio, allowing you to monitor your package delivery in real-tim
What to Do After a Package is Stolen
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A: Losing a package to porch piracy is frustrating, but there are steps you can take to resolve the issue:
Contact the Retailer: Report the stolen package to the retailer. Contact the retailer where you purchased the Amazon package or other items. Many retailers offer refunds or replacements for missing items.
Contact the Delivery Service: Report the theft to the carrier (USPS, FedEx, or UPS). They may track your package or provide additional details.
File a Police Report: For high-value items, report the stolen package to local law enforcement. Filing a police report creates an official record of the theft, which can help with insurance claims or investigations.
Check for Security Camera Footage: If you have security cameras or a video doorbell, review the footage for evidence of porch pirates in action. Provide the footage to the police if necessary.
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A: Possibly! Some credit card companies offer purchase protection, which can cover the cost of a stolen package. Review your card's policy to check if your Amazon package or other purchases are eligible for reimbursement.
Managing Deliveries When You're Away
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A: If you're unavailable to receive a delivery, here are a few tips to ensure your package is secure:
Use a package locker, like an Amazon Locker or USPS parcel locker, to safely store your package until you can pick it up.
Request a signature-required delivery through your delivery company to prevent packages from being left unattended.
Reroute packages to your workplace or a trusted neighbor using delivery management tools provided by services like FedEx or UPS.
Install a video doorbell to monitor your deliveries and notify you of package arrivals.
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A: Yes, delivery companies like USPS, FedEx, and UPS have procedures to help resolve issues with missing packages. If your package is lost or stolen, you can file a claim directly with the delivery company. They may investigate the incident, track the package, or offer compensation depending on the circumstances. Always check your tracking information and contact the company promptly if you suspect a theft.
Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Living in an apartment building presents unique challenges for package security. Here are some tips to keep your deliveries safe:
Communicate with your building management: Ask about secure package delivery options or designated areas for deliveries.
Utilize package lockers: If your building offers lockers, take advantage of them for secure storage.
Coordinate with neighbors: If you have a trusted neighbor who is often home, ask if they can accept deliveries on your behalf.
Be vigilant: Pay attention to delivery notifications and retrieve your packages promptly.
Final Thoughts
Package theft is a growing issue, but with the right tools and strategies, you can protect your deliveries and keep porch piratesPorch piracy, also known as package theft, is a growing issue, but with the right tools and strategies, you can protect your deliveries and keep porch pirates at bay. Whether it’s through secure cameras, or reimbursement plans, Kangaroo Home Security has you covered.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—take control of your home security today! Explore Kangaroo’s full range of affordable solutions and reclaim your peace of mind.
