With the increase of online shopping comes a LOT more packages on front porches. That gives jerkface criminal robbers more of an opportunity than ever before to swipe packages. There are few things that make me crazier than stealing, and snatching packages meant as Christmas presents is the worst Grinch move of them all! In order to avoid being a victim this time of year, here are some helpful tips:
1. Track deliveries online and confirm delivery has occurred. You can sign up for email notifications from FedEx, UPS, and Amazon to track your package from initial shipment to its arrival at your home, or the recipient’s address if you have the gift delivered directly.
2. Ask neighbors who are home during the day to watch for deliveries. Reward them with fresh baked cookies.
3. Switch delivery location to work or a place it can be received by someone and not left on the porch.
4. See if the post office or store the product is being shipped from can hold the package for pick up.
5. Provide specific delivery instructions, so packages are placed out of sight.
6. Insure your packages.
7. Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles. Some thieves will simply shadow deliver drivers and go from house to house stealing newly delivered packages.
8. Put up a security system sign and/or use security cameras!
9. When shipping packages, take them to the post office instead of leaving them outside your home for pick up.
10. Let the person you are sending the package to know to expect the package.
Here’s hoping none of your packages are grabbed by a Grinch this holiday season!
~Mavis
Randi says
Also for us Amazon fans, they have something called Amazon Locker. I used it recently for delivery of a gift i did not want the kiddo to see. I chose an Amazon Locker located at the Safeway near my work. Once it was delivered i received a code to enter at the locker site. It was pretty slick and worked well. I may do this again as i’ve heard from neighbors that they’ve had packages taken from their doorstep recently. (my neighbor did chuckle that the thief would probably love the feminine protection products she ordered!)
Gail says
Your description “jerkface criminal robbers” sums them up perfectly. The media has
referred to them as porch pirates which is just too nice.
Nancy says
The delivery services also have a responsibility on the safe delivery. We always request a signature. Guess what we find the packages on the front porch, back porch, on a chair or a note in the mailbox that no one was home. They don’t even come to the door to knock and ring a doorbell. Someone is always home here. We have multiple pets that flip out if someone comes remotely near the door.
Mona says
Thanks for this comment! I get so frustrated because I have had this issue for the longest time. I have had the UPS driver slow down barely, honk, then keep going and have had to call to have them return. We too always have someone home and they don’t even make an attempt to come to the door even though we leave our gate slightly open when we are expecting a package. Sometimes they leave the package on the sidewalk near the driveway and I live on a very busy street. It is a problem.
Cathy says
Use Amazon Locker services if you have one nearby! 🙂