Uh Oh! Package Thieves Love This Time of Day
We've all been there. You excitedly order that cool new gadget online, waiting patiently for its arrival. Then, the big day comes, and you dash to your doorstep, only to find an empty box mocking you. Ugh, those pesky porch pirates have struck again!
But hold on, there's a way to fight back! Did you know these package-snatching scoundrels actually have preferred working hours? Believe it or not, between 6am and 6pm is their prime time for pilfering. Why? Because that's when most people are busy at work, school, or running errands, leaving their doorsteps unguarded and ripe for the taking.
Don't let these daytime bandits ruin your delivery joy! Here are some battle plans to fortify your porch and keep your packages safe:
Become a Neighborhood Watch Captain:
Friendship is your best weapon! Team up with a trusted neighbor. Ask them to keep an eye out for deliveries, especially during the risky 6am-6pm zone. Maybe they can even hold onto your package for a bit until you get home. Sharing is caring, and in this case, it means sharing the responsibility of package protection!
Turn Detective with a Camera:
Technology can be your ally. Invest in a Kangaroo Doorbell Camera, Indoor + Outdoor Cam, or Motion + Entry Sensor. Not only can these deter thieves by letting them know they're being watched, but they can also catch the culprit on film if a theft does occur. Imagine the shock on a porch pirate's face when they realize their thievery is being broadcast live!
Make 'Em Sign on the Line:
Here's a trick to slow down those speedy thieves. Choose the "signature required" option for delivery. This forces someone to be present to receive the package. Package pirates like quick and easy grabs, so having to wait around for someone to answer the door throws a wrench in their plans.
Be the Master of Your Package Destiny:
Many delivery services offer more control over where your package lands. Look into options like lockers or pick-up locations. This way, you can grab your stuff on your own time, whenever it's convenient for you, not some sneaky thief.
Think Outside the Box (Literally!):
This might sound funny, but it actually works! Invest in a lockable mailbox specifically designed for deliveries. Or, get a special package receiving box that can be secured to your porch. This creates a secure zone for your packages, making them much less tempting to grab-and-run thieves.
Kangaroo Protects Your Parcels (and Your Peace of Mind!)
On top of these great tips, consider adding Kangaroo Cam Protect or Complete Protect to your security setup. These plans offer peace of mind knowing you'll be reimbursed for stolen or damaged packages.
Cam Protect: This plan offers $250 of theft and damage reimbursement per year, up to $125 per claim. When porch pirates strike or damage like break-ins or leaks occur in an area monitored by your Kangaroo camera, simply submit your claim in the Kangaroo app and we'll reimburse you quickly – usually within 72 hours.
Complete Protect: For the ultimate protection, choose Complete Protect. This plan provides a whopping $1000 of theft and damage reimbursement for the year. Submit up to two claims per year in the Kangaroo app up to $500 per claim and we'll get you back on your feet fast.
THEFT + DAMAGE
Both Cam Protect and Complete Protect plans cover package theft and damage, allowing you to recover the value of your stolen delivery or damaged item. Additionally, Complete Protect covers damaged property as a direct result of a break-in, in an area monitored by your Kangaroo camera (with a required police report).
Keep Reading:
10 Essential Tips on How to Prevent Package Theft
Package Theft 101: Don't Let Your Deliveries Disappear!
Understanding the Basics: How Insurance Claims Work
In Case of Theft:
Report the Crime: Filing a police report documents the theft and can be helpful with insurance claims. While some minor thefts might not be a high priority for law enforcement, having a police report on record can be crucial if you need to file a claim with your homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Contact the Shipper: Inform USPS, FedEx, Amazon, or the relevant delivery company about the stolen package. Many companies have procedures in place for reporting stolen packages and may offer some form of reimbursement or investigation depending on their policies.
Dispute the Charge: Contact your credit card company to dispute the fraudulent charge for the stolen item. Most credit card companies have consumer protection policies that can help you recover your lost funds in cases of theft. Gather any documentation you have, such as the police report and email confirmation of your order, to expedite the dispute process.
Keep Reading:
Filing a UPS Claim: A Hassle-Free Guide
5 Steps to Handle Your Fedex Missing Package Situation
Here are some resources you can explore for further information:
Finder.com: Porch Pirate Statistics
Key Terms for Online Shopping Security:
Delivery and Theft:
Package Delivery: The act of a delivery company (e.g., USPS, FedEx, Amazon) bringing your purchased items to your doorstep.
Package Steal / Porch Piracy: The theft of a delivered package from your porch or doorstep.
Porch Pirate: A thief who specifically targets delivered packages.
Stickle (Informal): An uncommon synonym for "steal," particularly referring to petty theft.
Parcel: Another word for a package.
Theft: The legal term for stealing something, including packages.
Larceny: A broader legal term encompassing theft, including porch piracy.
Security Measures:
Doorbell Camera / Video Doorbell: A camera mounted by your front door that captures footage of visitors and activity near your entrance.
Security Camera / Home Security Camera / Home Security System: Cameras used for general surveillance around your property to deter crime.
Package Delivery Box / Lockbox: A secure container placed outside your home for safekeeping delivered packages.
Delivery Options and Reporting:
Delivery Company: The company responsible for delivering your package (e.g., USPS, FedEx, Amazon).
Shipper: Another term for the delivery company.
Delivery Driver: The person who physically delivers your package.
Amazon Locker / Locker: Secure locations offered by some retailers (like Amazon) where you can pick up your packages at your convenience.
FedEx Delivery Manager: A service offered by FedEx that allows you to manage your deliveries, including rerouting or holding packages for pick-up.
Package Track / Track and Trace: A service offered by most delivery companies that allows you to monitor the location and estimated delivery time of your package.
Police Report: A formal document filed with the police to report a crime, such as a stolen package.
Additional Terms:
Postal Service: Refers specifically to the USPS (United States Postal Service).
Front Porch / Doorstep / Front Door: The entrance to your home where packages are typically left.
Holiday Package: A package containing items ordered around holidays, which are a prime target for porch pirates.
Mailbox: A secure box used for receiving mail, not typically used for package deliveries.
Neighbor: Someone who lives near you who can potentially keep an eye on your deliveries.
Ship Company: Less common term for "delivery company."
Amazon Delivery: Delivery service specifically offered by Amazon.
Credit Card Company: The financial institution that issued your credit card, which you can contact to dispute a fraudulent charge for a stolen item.
Deter: To discourage or prevent something, like deterring thieves with security cameras.
Thwart: To defeat or prevent something, like thwarting a porch pirate's attempt to steal a package.
Retailer: The store or company from which you purchased the online item.
Holiday Season: The period around major holidays (e.g., Christmas, Hanukkah) that sees a surge in online shopping and package deliveries.
By understanding these key terms, you can navigate the world of online shopping with more confidence and take steps to protect your packages from porch pirates.
