As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift giving can quickly turn to anxiety over package theft. With porch pirates on the prowl, your carefully delivered gifts can disappear right from your doorstep. Only in 2023, amazing 119 million packages were reported stolenthat is, one in 180 deliveries disappeared into thin air.

Cities like Seattle, Memphis and San Diego have become hotspots for these unfortunate thefts.

If you’ve ever found yourself running home to save a package, asking your neighbors to keep an eye on everything, or worst of all, falling victim to these hidden thievesyou are not alone. But don’t worry! We’ve got some tips that could save you the holiday headache of package theft. Let’s dive in.

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Alleged porch pirate took packages from property (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 1: Get security cameras

First, consider installing security cameras around your home. Having a good camera system can really make a difference when it comes to deterring these sneaky thieves. Depending on how well the police department reacts to the porch pirate package theft, position yourself video ringtone to capture the pirate’s face and package deliveries. A video doorbell can push notifications to get a phone alert whenever someone or something approaches your door, even if they don’t ring the doorbell.

You may also want to consider adding some near-invisible ones wireless cameras on the tree limbs by the street at your house. I did it in hopes of being able to record a license plate if ever needed by the police. I can set them to send a notification when the camera detects a person or car.

When shopping for cameras, look for high-resolution video so you can see everything clearly, even at night, with night vision capabilities. Motion detection is a must. It will alert you if someone gets too close to your front door. Plus, two-way audio lets you talk to anyone at your door, whether it’s a delivery person or someone who shouldn’t be there. And don’t forget cloud storage. That way, you can easily access footage whenever you need it. Check out my top picks for six best outdoor security cameras.

Pro tip: If your room has this feature, set the camcorder to notify you when it detects packets in the viewfinder.

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Image of a doorbell camera (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 2: Use tracking apps

Next, make sure you use tracking apps for your deliveries. Most shipping companies offer tracking services that allow you to track your package from the moment it leaves the warehouse until it arrives at your home.

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If you sign up for Shipping informed USPSyou will get digital previews of what is coming in your mailbox which is very useful. You can set up email or text alerts for delivery updates so you’re always up to date on when packages arrive. Some retailers even send you photos once your package has been delivered, giving you extra reassurance that it was made safely.

A woman using a tracking app on her iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip 3: Make sure someone is home

Now, let’s talk about timing. It is important to have someone around to receive packages as soon as they arrive. This can be difficult as many deliveries take place during business hours. If you can change it, try to work from home on days when important packages are expected. If this is not possible, coordinate with friends, family members or roommates, so someone is always there to take delivery right away.

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A woman receiving packages at home (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip 4: Coordinate with your neighbors

Don’t underestimate the power of community. Working with your neighbors can be a game changer in preventing package theft. Sign up for neighborhood porch pirate alerts from popular local networks like Neighbors and together applications. This is where people often post when they’ve had a package stolen, and sometimes upload videos or pictures of the alleged pirates on their porch. Additionally, making an agreement with trusted neighbors to track each other’s packets can really enhance security; there is strength in numbers.

A person who picks up packages for his neighbor (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Tip 5: Deliver the package elsewhere

If home delivery seems too risky, consider alternative delivery options that offer more security. Many people choose to send their packages to work if they are allowed to; That way, they’re less likely to be stolen than sitting on a porch all day. Retailers often offer secure pick-up points where you can pick up your packages as you wish. Renting a PO box or using services that hold packages for pickup at local shipping facilities are also great options for those valuable items.

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A woman receiving packages at her workplace (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 6: Ask for a signature confirmation

Another way to prevent package theft is to require a signature confirmation on your deliveries. This means that the delivery person will not leave the package at your door unless someone signs for it. You can request a signature confirmation from most delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, USPS and DHL. This option may cost extra, but it can give you peace of mind that your package it will not be stolen.

Tip 7: Ship to remote pickup locations

Did you know that most delivery services now offer remote pickup locations? These can be secure lockers, post offices or retail counters. Amazon has hundreds of Amazon Lockers and pickup counters across the country that are free for Prime members. See how Away the nearest Amazon Locker is from home.

When you check, click on Change next to your address shipping address, then select Find a pickup location near you to see your options. Once the package is delivered, you will receive a notification or email with a code to collect it from the locker or pick-up point. Some items can even be returned at these locations.

A person picking up a package from a cupboard (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 8: Delivery of the Amazon key to the garage

We added a strong bolt to the door leading into the house from the garage before we signed up. Now, when we’re not at home, an Amazon delivery can be safely placed in our garage using the free service called Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery. Adding a smart garage controller is the first step. Once you’ve signed up for Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, choose Key Delivery when you check out on Amazon to have your packages safely garaged. I really like that you can block access to the garage whenever you want. The driver never needs your code. of the garage, and access only works for their one-time delivery.

A delivery is made using Amazon Key-In-Garage Delivery (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 9: Provide a delivery box

Another great option is to invest in a delivery box which allows packages to be left safely and discreetly stored. Remember that you will need to inform the delivery staff about the use of the box and how it works.

The package being placed in a delivery box (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Tip 10: Sign up for delivery notifications

You can get an alert every time a package arrives at your door. Both FedEx and UPS will text you when you’ve just received a delivery. Amazon will also send you a shipping text letting you know that a package has just been delivered.

To configure Amazon Delivery Notificationsfollow these quick steps.

• Log in to Amazon website
• go to your account section
• Scroll down to Communication and Content section
• Tap Shipping updates via text
• Follow the on-screen instructions, tap Subscribe

Kurt’s main takeaways

Remember, simple actions like installing security cameras, using tracking apps, and coordinating with your neighbors can go a long way in protecting your packages. So, as you prepare for the holiday season, consider these tips and enjoy a worry-free gifting experience. Let’s keep those porch pirates at bay and make sure every package arrives safely at your door.

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