The holidays are a top season for online shopping, when many people buy expensive, high-end gifts and items like electronics, jewelry and toys.
Unfortunately, all the deliveries drive an uptick in package theft. Thieves, also known as “porch pirates,” prey on the parcels left unattended on porches.
In 2022, there were 3,624,208 larceny-theft incidents reported in the United States, and 1,144,937 happened at the victim’s residence, according to data compiled by the FBI. While the incidents aren’t limited to packages, the majority (1.1 million) did not involve criminals entering homes.
To avoid falling victim to a porch pirate this holiday season, consider taking these precautions.
1. Require a Signature for Package Deliveries
One thing you can do is require a signature for package deliveries. By going this route, companies won’t be able to leave packages unattended on your porch. You will, however, need to be home to sign for the packages.
“Requiring a signature is a good option, but obviously, it’s inconvenient because someone will have to be there to collect the package,” Justin Insalaco, a retired police officer and strategic advisor at Atlas One, said in an email.
If you end up missing a delivery attempt, companies vary in how they respond. Amazon, for example, will generally make three delivery attempts before returning the item to the warehouse and refunding the buyer. On eligible shipments, you can also request that Amazon hold the package at a local pickup location…
