Practical Tips For Avoiding Package Theft During The Holidays
Photo Credit: Mathias Reding
The holiday season is officially upon us, so your online shopping carts are probably full. It's the most wonderful time of the year. As delivery trucks roll into every neighborhood, you are a victim of porch piracy. Thieves know that December means high-value goods like electronics and holiday gifts are sitting unattended, but don’t let porch pirates steal your Christmas joy. Here is your essential guide to keeping your holiday deliveries safe this season.
5 Practical Steps to Secure Your Deliveries
1. Leverage Local Pick-Up Points
Choosing an alternative, such as Amazon Lockers near major intersections or transit hubs, using a rental P. O. Box of UPS or FedEx, or going for a “Buy Online, Pick Up In Store” option of major retailers is an effective way to avoid home delivery theft.
2. Utilize Carrier-Specific Tracking and Hold Options
Don't just wait for a delivery estimate; actively manage the delivery window instead. You can sign up for FedEx/UPS Delivery Manager, which allows you to instruct the driver to leave the package behind a fence, next to a specific planter, or inside a gated entryway. And in a case where you won’t be home, it is advisable to reroute the package to a neighbor or instruct the carrier to hold it at their facility for collection.
3. Ask a Neighbor or Community Monitor
To secure your package, you can ask a neighbor who works from home or is retired to hold your package for an hour or two and reciprocate the favor by offering a small holiday gift as thanks. If you can afford it, you can choose to install a visible video doorbell to serve as a strong deterrent to thieves and provide crucial evidence if theft occurs.
4. Adjust Delivery Schedules
Do your best to schedule critical deliveries when you know you or someone else will be home. If your company policy permits it, you can ship items to your office. As much as possible, aim for a midweek delivery because thieves operate heavily on weekends when people are running errands.
5. Be Mindful of "Delivery" Clutter
It is advisable to make a report immediately if your package is stolen. Additionally, don’t advertise what you received once you've opened your goods. Never leave large boxes (especially ones advertising electronics or high-end brands) whole by your curb. It is important to break them down completely and hide the brand name or wait until the night before recycling collection to put them out. This lets you avoid sending out an alert to thieves that your home contains valuable new goods.
The holidays should be about joy, family, and reflection. As you enjoy happy holidays in Newark, do remember to order your delicious Nigerian meals from Ounje Alabeke.