Protecting Against Porch Pirates

Holidays mean presents. Presents mean deliveries. And these deliveries often come while you are not home. Delivery companies leave our packages outside of our doors, assuming we’ll take them inside when we get home. But what if the packages aren’t around when you get there?

We’d like to think our property isn’t in danger. Leaving something out at our home shouldn’t be accompanied by worry. However, that’s just not the way the world works. The fact is that almost 26 million Americans have had a package stolen from their doorstep. The increase in online shopping has led to an increase in home deliveries. This trend is only going to continue.

So how do you protect against these brazen thefts? We’ll look into the best way to make sure your packages are safe when you are ready to retrieve them.

Get a Home Security Camera System

Porch pirates are far less likely to grab your packages if they know they are on camera. Home security camera systems in Nashville are a great way to stop these crimes before they happen. These thefts often occur during the daytime. The amount of light and the clear images from a quality home security camera provide an image worthy of a profile picture.

These criminals know a good image like this can circulate on neighborhood watch groups, police systems, and even news channels. These cameras can either be placed where they are easily visible, or a sign can be placed in front of the area. This lets criminals know they are being watched. And if they don’t get caught in the act, they will probably be caught afterwards.

NCA Alarms has your home security camera system in Nashville covered. Visit us today to see what we can do for you.

Have Your Packages Delivered to Your Work

Criminals can’t steal what isn’t there. One very effective way of avoiding having your packages stolen while you are at work is to simply have them delivered to your place of work. These deliveries are frequently completed during normal office hours. So if you happen to usually be at work during these hours, have it delivered to where you are.

The package can still be delivered to a place of business even if you aren’t there. A receptionist, or even another coworker, can receive the package and have it set aside for you. Just let your coworkers know you are expecting a package and where they should put it if you are not there to directly receive it.

Require a Signature

Most deliveries don’t require signatures. However, there is often the option to add this requirement. This ensures the delivery company won’t simply drop your package onto your doorstep without someone there to receive it. This is particularly helpful if the package is important. We never want any of our packages to be stolen, but all packages aren’t created equal.

Maybe something is unique or valuable—these items aren’t easily replaced. The ease of a home delivery when you aren’t there is sometimes not worth the risk. Sign up for the required signature option so there’s no worries about the exchange of the package. You don’t want these items to be sitting in the open.

Ask a Neighbor for Help

Quick pick-ups keep thieves’ chances low. And if you’re not going to be home to bring your package into your house, the next best option is for someone else to do it. Do you have a neighbor that works an opposite schedule of yours? Do you know you’re going to be away from the house in the projected delivery window?

Enlist the help of a trustworthy neighbor to grab your packages for you. Delivery trucks are usually pretty large. Just ask them to keep an eye out for one of these trucks, or to occasionally glance at your doorstep to see if a package is there. And once they see a package, have them grab it and bring it inside for you. Then all you have to do is knock on your neighbor’s door when you get home.

Use an Off-Site Pickup Location

There are plenty of handy options for off-site pickup of your packages. Amazon offers the option to have your package shipped to a secure locker. Just visit the locker once your item has been delivered and retrieve it. You can also have your packages delivered to a local FedEx office where they will hold them until you come to pick them up. FedEx has also partnered with Walgreens, Rite Aid, Albertsons, and Kroger grocery stores as pick up locations for packages.

NCA Alarms Can Help

Are you looking into your options for home security camera systems in Nashville? NCA Alarms has all you need to keep your deliveries and the rest of your house safe this holiday season.

Visit NCA Alarms today and find a home security camera system that works best for your Nashville home.