‘Tis the season for shopping — and in some unlucky cases, for stealing. So-called porch pirates steal millions of packages every year, leading to billions of dollars in losses and a massive headache for victims of theft. Thieves ramp up their activity during the holiday season because people are more likely to spend more on valuable items. If you’re nervous about being targeted by porch pirates, have no fear. With a few safety precautions, you can keep your home and business protected.
What Makes People Vulnerable
People commonly neglect to take security precautions because they think they’ll never be victims of theft or burglary. We always tell our clients that it can happen to anyone. A few things can make people more vulnerable to porch pirates. If you receive a lot of packages, a thief might take note and assume that you’ve ordered at least a few high-value items. Letting boxes sit outside for prolonged periods also increases the possibility of theft. While these factors can make someone more of a target, we’re all at risk. Unfortunately, anyone who orders anything online is vulnerable to porch pirates.
How To Protect Yourself
We recommend investing in a video doorbell system. If you’re a homeowner, consider an option available in stores like Ring, Blink, or Nest. For businesses, working with a qualified security firm to devise a solution is the best answer. A thief is likely to be deterred when they see a camera. You can even post a sign in your yard or near the front door warning visitors that your property is under video surveillance. Even if a thief isn’t put off, you’ll have video evidence to hand to law enforcement.
Additionally, most major delivery companies offer hold services, which can provide extra protection when you’re traveling away from your home or office. If you regularly have packages stolen, this may be the best solution — you can pick up the packages at your convenience. You can also request that a delivery service only leave a package if someone is home to sign for it. Smart sensors that alert you when your mailbox has been opened offer additional insight and peace of mind if porch pirates have targeted your mailbox.
What To Do If You’re A Victim
First, you should ensure the package made it to you and wasn’t delayed or accidentally left with a neighbor. Once you’re confident that somebody took your package, you can notify the merchant you ordered from and the shipping company. If you have a video doorbell, the first step is to review the footage to determine whether you have proof that someone took your package. From there, you can file a police report. It’ll be harder for law enforcement to arrest without video footage, but they can still investigate. Unfortunately, some stolen packages are irreplaceable. It’s much easier to process the loss of an Amazon order than a handmade gift from a family member. That’s why preventative measures are so necessary.
Finding A Security Partner
As a business owner, you’re juggling a lot at once — let us handle your security concerns. Whether you need a system to protect packages or something more complex, Integrated Security Consultants is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, fire alarms, and more. We work with you to find security vulnerabilities. Then, we create solutions. It’s one less thing for you to worry about. Are you interested in learning more? Call 813-254-0033 or contact us online.