The holiday season is upon us and that means shipping companies are busy putting in a lot of overtime hours delivering hundreds of millions of packages to our front doors. Unfortunately it also means that package thieves will likely be out in force too. What can we do to keep our packages safe?
It’s all about situational awareness. The first step is to make sure you have a safe area around your porch. Keep your doorway well-lit and make sure there aren’t any overhanging bushes. Thieves are more likely to take advantage of homes that are dark or have areas near the front door that can provide cover from neighbors or passers by.
When you’re buying presents for several people, it’s easy to lose track of all the packages you’re expecting. But pay attention to the delivery dates – if you know you won’t be around for a delivery, you can have it rescheduled for another time or rerouted to another address. Amazon has pick up locations that you can use for pick up at your convenience if you feel that your area may not be the best place to leave packages out in the open.
Installing security cameras on the porch is a big deterrent to potential thieves and can make your life more convenient. You’ll be able to watch what is happening on your porch whether you’re at home or away. You can even have it set it up with a motion sensor to receive notifications on your phone if movement on your porch is detected. If something does happen, the video footage can be used to help substantiate a claim for a refund or replacement.
For added security, you could also get a lockable drop box. There are several different types on the market. Some options allow you to program a unique access code which you would then provide in the delivery instructions. The delivery driver uses the code to open the box, and then when they shut the lid, it locks on contact.
Make sure your packages arrive safely into the hands they’re meant for. Being proactive will help you keep your packages safer this holiday. And once the presents have been opened, don’t make yourself an easy target by putting packaging and empty boxes from large, expensive gifts out in plain view by the curb. Make sure you break them down into smaller pieces that you can fit inside your curbside trash and recycling carts.
At Hard Target Systems, we focus on keeping our communities safe. We wish everyone a safe and happy holidays!