ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – During the holiday season, along with traveling, food, family visits, and the traditional Thanksgiving sports matchups; online shopping including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the days leading up to Christmas is drilled into the routine for many Americans.
In recent decades, as more and more people are shopping online to avoid busy stores and congested traffic in search of the perfect gifts, others have seized the opportunity to steal the delivered packages directly off the porch in what has become known as “porch piracy.”
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says a recently released study by Security.org study, revealed that package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year. In Virginia, 6% of people recently have had packages stolen valued at $65.
According to the BBB, Porch Pirates will target homes they can get in and out of quickly with easy access to a porch and around 25 feet or closer from the street and good visibility. They will often prey on neighborhoods or a community multiple times before leaving the area.
However, the BBB has some great tips and strategies for you to prevent or discourage package theft during the online holiday shopping season.
Don’t leave unattended packages:
- If you are expecting a package, attempt to schedule its delivery when you know you will be home. If you are not going to be home, have them delivered to work instead.
- Ask your neighbors if they mind holding on to packages delivered if you plan to be gone for an extended time.
- Some retailers (like Amazon, a BBB Accredited Business) offer “garage delivery” to avoid having packages sitting out in the open.
- Track packages and request a specific drop-off when you or someone you know will be at home: Most delivery services allow you to follow the package up to when it is delivered. If possible, try to be at home at the expected delivery time.
- Insure valuable items: Purchase delivery insurance to protect merchandise against loss or damage. Contact the local police department if you do become a victim of package theft.
Ship to store, storefront, or post office box:
- If purchasing an item from a retailer with a physical location near your home, consider shipping it there instead. Retailers will require proof of purchase or identification before releasing packages they have received.
- Some online retailers offer delivery to a pickup location within another store that has a physical location near you. Check your delivery options when ordering.
- If porch pirates are often in your area, consider renting a post office box to receive package deliveries; the cost may outweigh the headaches.
Use a security camera:
- Keep porch well-lit: A well-lit may help neighbors spot thieves in front of homes.
- Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible. Consider including a sign that specifically states that the residence is under surveillance.
- Set up your camera alerts so that you know exactly when the package is delivered.
- Even if a package is stolen from your porch, the video evidence will help law enforcement track down the thieves (but be wary of the risk of internet-connected devices and research before you purchase).
- If Wi-Fi can be enabled through the camera, you can also keep an eye on the porch from afar and notify the police if you spot suspicious activity. Many police departments also have partnerships with Ring Doorbell to combat porch pirates.
Require a signature:
- Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, letting you take physical possession of the item as soon as it is delivered. While this option works well for those often at home, especially for expensive items, it may create difficulties in receiving packages if your schedule and the delivery service differ, so do your research.
- Be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for; they may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
- Hold mail if traveling: The U.S. Postal Service offers to hold mail if you are taking a trip over the holidays. By holding, it ensures you will be home at the time of delivery.
Opt-in to notifications:
- Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services; some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop. Opt-in to shipping-related emails.
- Set up your own notifications with your smartphone or app to remind you of the date and time of expected delivery.
If you have been a victim of mail porch theft:
For more online shopping resources and tips, visit BBB.org/OnlineShopping. You can also report scams to the Better Business Bureau at BBB Scam Tracker.
