Uh Oh! Package Thieves Love This Time of Day
We've all been there—you eagerly await your online order, only to find an empty doorstep. Porch pirates are striking more than ever, especially between 6 AM and 6 PM, when most people are away at work or school. But you don't have to be their next victim! Here’s how to secure your packages and keep thieves at bay.
Top Strategies to Prevent Package Theft
1. Team Up With Trusted Neighbors
A strong neighborhood watch is your first line of defense. Coordinate with your neighbors to keep an eye on deliveries and create a community of vigilance. Consider creating a neighborhood group chat or organizing a rotating schedule for package collection. Sharing responsibility makes a significant difference.
2. Install a Security Camera System
Porch pirates hate being caught on camera. A visible security camera acts as a powerful deterrent. Kangaroo's range of security solutions provides comprehensive protection:
Kangaroo Doorbell Camera: Capture clear footage of any activity at your doorstep and receive instant alerts on your smartphone.
Kangaroo Indoor + Outdoor Cam: Provides comprehensive surveillance, eliminating blind spots and ensuring no activity goes unnoticed.
Kangaroo Motion + Entry Sensor: Alerts you to any unexpected movement or entry, providing an additional layer of security.
3. Require a Signature for Deliveries
Choosing the "signature required" option ensures someone must be present to receive the package, significantly reducing the risk of theft. However, if being home during delivery isn't always possible, consider alternative secure delivery options.
4. Use Secure Delivery Locations
Take advantage of secure delivery options like Amazon Lockers, FedEx Pickup locations, or UPS Access Points. These locations provide a safe and convenient way to retrieve your packages at your own pace.
5. Invest in a Lockable Package Box
A parcel lockbox or secure delivery container on your porch adds an extra layer of physical security. Thieves prefer easy targets, and a locked box can thwart their plans. Explore various lockbox options, from simple combination-lock containers to smart boxes with app integration, to find the one that best suits your needs.
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
What to Do If Your Package Gets Stolen
Report the Theft – File a police report to document the crime.
Contact the Shipper – Notify USPS, FedEx, UPS, or Amazon to check reimbursement policies.
Dispute the Charge – Your credit card company may offer fraud protection for stolen purchases.
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.
