Proven Ways to Deter Porch Pirates

Written By Kangaroo

With the rise of online shopping, package deliveries have become a daily occurrence for many households. Unfortunately, this has also given rise to porch piracy, where thieves, known as porch pirates, steal packages right from your doorstep. These thefts often go unnoticed until it's too late, leaving homeowners frustrated and without recourse. But there are effective ways to deter porch pirates and protect your valuable deliveries.

Porch Piracy Statistics: Where and What Gets Stolen

The statistics are alarming. Research indicates that a significant portion of package theft, 34%, occurs in urban areas, with suburban areas accounting for 20% and rural areas experiencing 10%. Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, unsurprisingly sees the most packages stolen, accounting for 52% of all incidents. Clothing is the most targeted item, followed by books, toys, health/personal care products, and even groceries.

While USPS, FedEx, and UPS are the most popular delivery services, the USPS unfortunately experiences the highest rate of package theft, with 43% of stolen packages being handled by them. UPS and FedEx, on the other hand, have a much lower incidence of stolen packages. These statistics underscore the widespread nature of porch piracy, highlighting the urgent need for individuals and communities to take proactive steps to safeguard their deliveries.

Source: Forbes Home

How to Scare Away Porch Pirates?

Scaring off porch pirates can be as simple as making your home less appealing for theft. Here are a few strategies:

  • Install a Doorbell Camera: One of the most effective deterrents is a video doorbell or security camera. Devices like the Kangaroo Home Security system allow you to monitor your front door in real time. Porch pirates tend to avoid homes with visible cameras since their actions will be caught on video, making them easier to identify.

  • Use Motion-Activated Lights: Many thieves prefer working under the cover of darkness. Installing motion-activated lights around your doorstep can startle thieves and draw attention to their actions, scaring them away.

  • Sign up for Delivery Alerts: Most delivery companies, including FedEx and USPS, offer notifications when a package is dropped off. These alerts allow you to retrieve your package delivery quickly, minimizing the time it sits unattended.

  • Use a Fake Package as a Decoy: Some homeowners set out a fake package with a security feature, like an alarm or tracking device, to catch thieves in the act. If a porch pirate tries to steal it, they’ll be met with an unpleasant surprise, which may scare them off permanently.

How to protect your house from porch pirates?

Protecting your home from porch pirates goes beyond just deterring them. It involves creating layers of security and making it difficult for them to access your packages.

  • Secure Delivery Locations: If you're not home during the day, consider alternative delivery options. Utilize secure locations like Amazon lockers, package receiving services, or your local post office for pickup.

  • Require Signature Confirmation: For valuable or sensitive items, request signature confirmation upon delivery. This ensures that the package is only released to someone authorized to receive it.

  • Lockable Delivery Boxes: Invest in a sturdy, lockable delivery box where carriers can safely leave packages. This provides a secure location until you can retrieve your deliveries.

Can I Do Anything About Porch Pirates?

Yes, there are several proactive measures you can take to prevent theft and combat porch piracy:

  • File a Police Report: If you’ve fallen victim to a porch pirate, it's essential to file a police report. While it may not always lead to immediate results, reporting these incidents helps authorities track patterns of theft in your neighborhood. Providing footage from a doorbell camera can also aid investigations.

  • Report to the Carrier: Contact the delivery company (FedEx, USPS, etc.) if a package goes missing. Some companies offer reimbursement or may help with the investigation.

  • Use Delivery Instructions: When ordering from online shops or retailers like Amazon, specify delivery instructions that keep your package out of sight. For example, you could ask for packages to be left behind a box or hidden near a side door.

  • Neighborhood Watch Programs: Joining a neighborhood watch program can also help prevent crime. If your neighbors are aware of suspicious activity, they can report it to you or the authorities.

  • Package Pickup Locations: Many postal services and retailers offer pickup locations where you can retrieve your orders at a time that’s convenient for you. This ensures your packages are never left unattended on your porch.

How to Stop Porch Pirates in Apartments?

Living in an apartment presents unique challenges for preventing porch piracy, but there are solutions:

  • Use a Package Locker: Many apartment buildings now offer package lockers or secure mailrooms. Make sure you take advantage of these options if available.

  • Coordinate with Your Property Manager: Some apartment complexes allow tenants to have packages delivered to the leasing office, where they can be picked up during business hours.

  • Install a Doorbell Camera (if Allowed): If your apartment permits, consider installing a doorbell camera. Systems like Kangaroo are small, easy to install, and can monitor front doors to deter theft.

  • Schedule Delivery When You’re Home: If you know a package delivery is coming, try to schedule it when you’ll be home. Alternatively, ask a trusted neighbor to collect the package for you.

  • Use In-Store Pickup Options: When placing an order from a retailer, opt for in-store or curbside pickup. This ensures your packages aren’t left unattended at your apartment.

Kangaroo Home Security: Your Partner in Package Protection & Peace of Mind

Kangaroo isn't just about offering affordable and easy-to-install home security devices; it's about giving you comprehensive protection against theft and damage. Our smart devices work together to deter thieves, monitor your deliveries, and provide evidence in case of a theft.

Key Devices:

Kangaroo Video Doorbell Camera: See, hear, and speak to visitors at your front door, even when you're not home. It's a great way to keep an eye on deliveries and deter potential porch pirates.  

Kangaroo Motion Sensor: Get instant alerts when motion is detected near your front door or other entry points, providing an early warning system for unexpected activity.  

Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Camera: Monitor your porch and other areas with this versatile camera. Its flexibility allows you to keep an eye on both indoor and outdoor spaces, offering comprehensive surveillance.  

Kangaroo Protect Plans: Reimbursement for Theft and Damage

  • Cam Protect:

    • For just $1.99/month (billed annually at $23.88), add premium device features and get up to $250 of theft and damage reimbursement for one camera.

    • If something gets stolen or damaged, Kangaroo's got your back. File a claim right in the app and get reimbursed quickly. You can submit up to 2 claims per year, with a maximum of $125 per claim.

  • Complete Protect:

    • For $8.25/month (billed annually at $99), cover your whole home with a kit and professional monitoring, plus enjoy up to $1000 of theft and damage reimbursement.  

    • Get reimbursed for theft or damage caused by fire, water, or smoke. Make your claim in the app and receive quick reimbursement. You can submit up to 2 claims per year, with a maximum of $500 per claim.

    • In addition to reimbursement, you'll also get 24/7 professional monitoring for added security and peace of mind. A team of trained professionals will be ready to support you in an emergency and contact first responders on your behalf.

With Kangaroo's range of security products and protection plans, you can add an extra layer of defense against theft and enjoy the convenience of online shopping without the worry.

Hear it from Kangaroo Users

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  • Porch piracy is the theft of packages or parcels from a person's front porch, doorstep, or mailbox after they have been delivered.

  • Porch pirates are opportunistic thieves who look for unattended packages to steal. They may be individuals looking for a quick score or organized groups targeting specific neighborhoods.

    • Install a visible security camera or video doorbell: The presence of a camera can discourage thieves from approaching your porch.

    • Post warning signs: Let potential thieves know that your property is under surveillance.

    • Require signature confirmation: For valuable packages, require a signature upon delivery.

    • Use alternative delivery options: Consider having packages delivered to your workplace, a trusted neighbor, an Amazon Locker, or a secure delivery box.

    • Contact the retailer or shipper: Report the theft to the retailer or shipper from whom you purchased the item. They may offer a refund or replacement.

    • Contact the delivery company: Report the theft to the delivery company (USPS, FedEx, Amazon, etc.). They may have insurance or be able to assist in tracking down the package.

    • File a police report: Report the theft to the local police. This creates an official record of the incident and may be required for insurance claims or further action.

  • Most carriers provide tracking information that allows you to monitor the progress of your package and see when it's been delivered. You can usually find this information on the retailer's or carrier's website.

    • Schedule deliveries for when you're home: If possible, arrange for deliveries to arrive when you or a trusted neighbor can be there to receive them.

    • Use delivery instructions: Provide specific instructions to the carrier on where to leave your package if you're not home. This could include leaving it with a neighbor, at a back door, or in a designated safe location.

    • Install a home security system: A comprehensive home security system with motion sensors and alarms can provide an extra layer of protection for your deliveries and your entire home.

    • Use a lockbox or package delivery box: A secure lockbox or package delivery box can provide a safe place for your packages to be delivered, preventing easy access for thieves.

    • Be discreet about your online shopping: Avoid posting about upcoming deliveries on social media, as this can alert potential thieves.

    • Report any suspicious activity: If you see anyone loitering around your neighborhood or tampering with mailboxes or packages, report it to the police.

  • Amazon Key is a service that allows Amazon delivery drivers to securely deliver packages inside your home. It requires a compatible smart lock and a security camera.

  • A glitter bomb is a DIY trap that involves rigging a package to explode with glitter when opened, leaving a messy trail for the thief and potentially leading to their identification.

  • A "stickle" trap involves placing a sticky substance like glue or double-sided tape inside a package to create a frustrating surprise for the thief.

  • Yes, package theft is a crime. It can be charged as misdemeanor or felony theft, depending on the value of the stolen items and local laws.

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