Mar 16 Posted in Home, Smart Shopping, The New Expat | 0 comments

Everything You Should Know about Porch Pirates

Porch piracy is an ever growing problem in the United States, affecting communities across the country. It’s very common here that delivery services like UPS, FedEx or USPS just leave a package on your front porch. Sometimes they snap a picture as proof of delivery, but still, it’s out in the open until you see it and take it inside. That’s enough time to be spotted from drive-by cars and pedestrians passing your house. For the criminal minded it’s an opportunity to make some quick cash, if there’s something worth selling in the package. If you’ve just moved to America something like this might be totally unfamiliar to you, but it’s a serious problem here, especially during the holidays.  However, package theft can be prevented or the risk can be at least minimized. Here are some of the most common questions answered about this issue to get you up to speed:

Should I report porch pirates?

Yes, it is recommended to report porch pirates to the police. This helps law enforcement to track and potentially catch the perpetrators, and it also provides valuable information for insurance purposes if you need to file a claim for the stolen packages. The police will most likely not send anybody, but it adds to the crime stats and maybe more police patrolling in your neighborhood at some point in the future.

Do porch pirates ever get caught?

Yes, porch pirates can and do get caught, although it can be very difficult. With doorbell cameras and increased public awareness, law enforcement is better equipped to track down and apprehend porch pirates. Residents also like to share footage or photos of their security cameras on community websites like Nextdoor to give neighbors a heads up on what cars or people to look out for.

Why are there so many porch pirates?

There are many reasons for the rise of porch piracy, including increased online shopping and the convenience of home delivery. In some cases, porch pirates may steal packages for financial gain, while others may do it for the thrill.

How do I stop people from stealing on my porch?

Here are some tips to help prevent porch piracy:

1. Require a signature for deliveries. This might cost extra though.
2. Schedule delivery for a time when someone is home. Amazon for example lets you pick a preferred delivery day for all of your orders.
3. Use a secure delivery location. If your neighborhood is often target of porch piracy, maybe have orders shipped to your work place or take advantage of in-store locker boxes when ordering from Amazon, Walmart, Kohl’s etc.
4. Install security cameras. The easiest and most popular option for this are doorbell cameras, because the wiring is already there and they are pretty inexpensive.
5. Request to hold the package at the carrier’s facility
6. Invest in smart locks or a package locker. This can be a special garage door opener code for delivery drivers, if you have a keypad. If a package locker is too expensive a simple plastic bin with lid might do it, too. As long as the package is out of sight from the street.
7. Track deliveries and pick up packages from your porch ASAP. Activate text notifications from your delivery service, if possible.

Who pays if a package is stolen off the porch?

If a package is stolen off your porch, the responsibility for replacing the contents usually falls on the retailer or shipping carrier. Bigger retailers like Amazon are often trying to make it right and send you a replacement, even though it’s not their fault that your package got stolen.

Do porch pirates strike twice?

It is possible for porch pirates to strike multiple times, especially if they are not caught or deterred by preventative measures. In general, the easier you make it for these criminals the more they will target your packages.

Do porch pirates follow delivery trucks?

Yes, some porch pirates will follow delivery trucks in order to steal packages from porches. This gives you little to no time to get your package off the porch even with notifications set up. Preventative measures such as using a secure delivery location or requiring a signature for deliveries can prevent that.

What is the best porch pirate camera?

The best porch pirate camera depends on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options include the Nest Cam Outdoor, Arlo Pro 3, and Ring Stick Up Cam. It is important to choose a camera with clear video resolution and two-way audio capabilities for effective deterrent and identification purposes.

Porch pirates beware

YouTuber Mark Rober, a former NASA and Apple engineer, had some fun creating the ultimate prank to teach porch pirates a lesson. Watch one of his videos below for a good laugh:

In conclusion, porch piracy is a growing problem in the United States. It is important for everyone, especially new residents, to be aware of it and take steps to prevent it. Don’t be a victim! Follow the tips outlined above and take the necessary precautions to make sure you receive your packages.