'Porch Piracy', how to prevent package theft during the online holiday shopping season

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – In addition to travel, dining, family visits and traditional Thanksgiving sporting events during the holiday season; Online shopping has become routine for many Americans, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the days leading up to Christmas.

In recent years, more and more people have been shopping online to avoid crowded stores and congested traffic to find the perfect gifts, while others have seized the opportunity to steal delivered packages right from the porch, a phenomenon known as “porch hacking.” ”

Local agents share tips for Black Friday shopping online or in person

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently published a study Security.org studyIt found that package thieves stole more than $18 billion in goods last year. In Virginia, 6% of people recently had $65 worth of packages stolen.

According to the BBB, Porch Pirates will target homes that have easy access to the porch, are about 25 feet or less from the street, and have good visibility, where they can get in and out quickly. They will often hunt neighborhoods or a community multiple times before leaving the area.

But the BBB has some great tips and strategies for you to prevent or deter package theft during the online holiday shopping season.

Do not leave packages unattended:

If you’re expecting a package, try to schedule its delivery for a time you know you’ll be home. If you won’t be home, have them delivered to work.
If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, ask your neighbors if they can wait for packages to be delivered.
Some retailers (e.g. Amazona BBB Accredited Business) offer “garage deliveryTo prevent packages from being exposed.
Track packages and request a specific delivery when you or someone you know is home: Most delivery services allow you to track the package until it’s delivered. If possible, try to be home at the expected delivery time.
Insure valuables: Purchase delivery insurance to protect goods against loss or damage. If you become the victim of package theft, contact your local police department.

Send to store, storefront or mailbox:

If you’re purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there. Retailers will need proof of purchase or proof of identification before releasing their purchased packages.
Some online retailers offer delivery to a pickup point at another brick-and-mortar store near you. Check your delivery options when ordering.
If porch pirates are a frequent presence in your area, consider renting a mailbox to receive package deliveries; the cost may outweigh the headache.

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Use security cameras:

Keep the porch well lit: A well-lit environment can help neighbors spot burglars in front of homes.
a download home security system with cameras or video doorbell It’s a great way to deter package theft, especially when it’s highly visible. Consider adding a sign specifically stating that the property is under surveillance.
Set your camera alerts so you know exactly when the package is delivered.
Even if a package is stolen from your porch, video evidence will help law enforcement find the thieves (but be wary of the risk of it being stolen). internet connected devices and research before purchasing).
If Wi-Fi can be activated through the camera, you can also monitor the porch remotely and notify the police if you detect suspicious activity. Many police departments also have partnerships with Ring Doorbell to combat porch pirates.

Require signature:

Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before dropping off the package; This allows you to take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works for those who are often at home, especially for expensive items, it can create difficulties in receiving packages if your schedule and delivery service are different, as is your search.
Be sure to check the delivery company’s policies for packages that are not signed for; They can return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
Hold mail if you’re traveling: The U.S. Postal Service offers to hold mail if you’re traveling during the holidays. Holding it allows you to be at home at the time of delivery.

Enable notifications:

Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; Some even send out their own emails to let you know when something lands on your porch. Sign up for shipping emails.
Set your own notifications with your smartphone or app to remind you of the date and time of the expected delivery.

If you have been the victim of mail porch theft:

For more online shopping resources and tips, visit: BBB.org/OnlineShopping. You can also report scams to the Better Business Bureau at: BBB Fraud Tracker.

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