How to Prevent Package Theft
E-commerce stores save you from all the hassles of physically visiting stores for shopping. It saves commute time and you need not wait in queues to pay for the purchased products.
Despite the plethora of benefits it offers, online shopping creates certain problems and package theft is one of them. There has been a steady rise in this crime during the past few years. During
Christmas festivities in 2017, 1 out of every 5 packages delivered in the UK went missing, which is quite alarming.
If you often order products online, then you should make an effective plan to deter thieves. Here’s how you can do it:
Install CCTV Cameras
With the help of CCTV cameras, you can monitor the outdoor space and prevent package theft. Make sure it’s installed at a height so that the intruder can’t damage it. Not only will it deter burglars, but also provide you with evidence against the culprit.
However, you can’t monitor CCTV footage at all times. You can rather sign a contract and the professional security team will monitor the footage in real-time. If they notice any suspicious activity, they will notify the concerned authorities to prevent package theft.
Post a Security Notice
A security sign or notice is the cheapest, yet an effective way to deter intruders. All you need to do is to put up a sign that says your home is protected by a security system. It will reduce the risk of package theft. But make sure this warning sign isn’t just an empty threat. For this purpose, you should install outdoor security cameras at a visible location.
Schedule Delivery for When You’re Home
If the delivery service facilitates you to specify the delivery time, then you can use this opportunity to prevent package theft.
Schedule package delivery for when you’re at home. It prevents piling up of packages at the doorstep. If the delivery service requires the signature of the person who receives the package, it will further make your packages secure.
Get a Lockbox
Get a lockbox to keep packages safe and prevent theft. These are similar to mailboxes and can protect the packages until you retrieve them.
You should consider buying smart lockboxes. While they are expensive, they alert you every time a package is delivered.
Team Up with a Neighbour
Your neighbours may also be fed up with package theft. Team up with them to prevent such incidents down the road.
If there’s someone in your neighbourhood that is home most days and you trust them, then you can enlist their address for package delivery with their permission. This way, the packages won’t keep
piling up in your porch and you can collect them from the neighbour’s house at a time that is convenient for you as well as your neighbour.
However, if they agree, the neighbour will have to deal with delivery people and keep
your stuff piled near the door. Don’t you think they deserve a thank you or a special gift?