Porch Pirates

When having packages delivered to your home, beware of “porch pirating” — when a thief steals delivered packages from your doorstep or porch. Thieves can follow delivery trucks, watching for prime targets. These thieves commonly strike during working hours, as many homes are empty at that time.

Tips for avoiding “Porch Pirates”

• Have your packages delivered to a location where they can be received in person, such as a neighbor’s or relative’s house.

• Have your package delivered to work if your employer allows it.

• Take advantage of delivery alerts so you can be notified when a package arrives at your home or choose a specific delivery time and arrange to be there then.

• Have your package delivered to a local store for pick-up.

• Ask a trusted neighbor to take your package inside for safekeeping.

• Request the delivery company to hold your package at their closest pick-up facility until you can pick it up.

• Ask the shipper to require a signature confirmation of delivery in order to prevent packages being left when no one is home.

• When the option is available, instruct the shipper to leave packages out of sight from the road or your yard.

• Finally, you may want to consider a new program being introduced by Amazon that will allow Amazon delivery people access to your house once you have installed a special Amazon lock. See them for details.

Don’t let Porch Pirates ruin your Christmas.