Home Security Tips: Protecting Mail and Packages From Porch Pirates

Worried about losing another package off your front porch?

You're not alone. Porch piracy is quickly becoming one of the nation's largest home security problems. And, it's costing consumers billions of dollars each year. The best part is home delivery security doesn't have to be costly or difficult.

With the right setup, you can:

• Stop thieves before they even try
• Keep sensitive mail out of the wrong hands
• Get your deliveries safely every time

Here's how to do it...

Why Porch Piracy Has Become Such A Big Problem

Package theft isn't little side crimes. It's a nationwide epidemic.

According to recent statistics, US residents had 104 million packages were stolen from their homes within the last year alone. That comes out to about 250,000 stolen packages every day. And it doesn't help that the average stolen package costs about $204.

It's not just packages either.

Mail theft is on the rise as well. Stealing mail can provide thieves with checks, bank statements, tax forms, and preapproved credit offers -- basically everything they need for identity theft. Some people choose to use an iPostal digital mailbox service when they are expecting sensitive mail. These services allow you to have your own street address with security scanning features built in. Rather than leaving checks and statements out in an unlocked box outside your home, your mail is transported to a secure location and scanned so that you can access it online.

That's big because USPS logged more than 52,000 high-volume mail theft attacks last year alone. Mail theft isn't uncommon -- it's rampant. And the effects of having your information stolen can last for decades.

So how do you fight back?

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Smart Ways To Secure Your Incoming Mail

Don't you ever think about your mailbox being vulnerable? ... You should. It is.

Your typical curb mailbox on your driveway is an invitation to criminals. Someone strolling by can open the lid and steal the contents. Such as:

• Checks
• Tax documents
• Bills with your account numbers
• Credit card offers

Here's the fix:

Your mail delivery needs improvement. Ideally, get a locking mailbox or a PO Box at your local post office. You can also use a mail scanning service to receive your mail electronically.

Of those three choices, the mail scanning service option is by far the most secure for sensitive mail. The reason? The mail isn't left lying around where a burglar can grab it. It's sent to a secure location, scanned/uploaded to the internet, and you choose what to do with it - forward, shred, or open virtually.

Especially useful for those who travel frequently, work from home, or just want to feel secure. A mail scanning service takes care of the security side. There's no need to worry when ordering a cheque book or receiving a letter from the bank.

Bonus: enroll in USPS Informed Delivery. It's a free service that previews images of all mail heading to your address. Know right away if anything didn't get delivered.

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The Best Tools For Protecting Packages

Now let's talk about packages.

If your mailbox is vulnerable, your front porch is even riskier. Package thieves are criminals of opportunity -- they stroll by, spot a box, and make off with it in seconds. Research has found 98% of stolen packages were left in plain sight near the curb, which should tell you all you need to know about this crime.

The trick is to remove the opportunity. Here are the tools that actually work...

Lockable Package Boxes

Have a mailbox on your porch that holds packages AND allows USPS drivers to drop packages in. Locks behind itself when you close the lid. Easy to use and buy just once.

A great way to deter porch pirates is with a lockbox. This prevents someone from reaching your packages even if they're standing right outside your door.

Smart Doorbell Cameras

A video doorbell isn't a perfect solution... But it does help.

You will be notified the second someone arrives at your doorstep. You can talk to them with the camera, and you'll have video proof if someone steals from you. Keep in mind -- cameras are a deterrent, they're not an obstruction. Cameras with a lockbox are awesome. Cameras by themselves aren't.

Delivery Lockers

Amazon Locker, Hub Locker, etc. are places where you can have your package delivered if you don't want it sent to your house. You pick it up at your convenience. They're free and secure. Perfect if you live in an apartment complex or crime prone area.

It's important because apartment dwellers are 3.5 times more likely to experience package theft than homeowners. Package lockers are a great idea if you live in an apartment without a doorman.

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Simple Habits That Stop Porch Pirates Cold

Tools are great... But your daily habits matter just as much.

Here are some simple things you can start today that make a huge difference:

• Sign up for notifications on ALL orders. Know when your packages will be delivered. Bring them in immediately.
• Require a signature: If it's something worth your while, require a signature for delivery. They won't leave your package unattended.
• Arrange delivery times: Schedule a delivery time when you know you'll be home if possible.
• Hide packages that are visible: If there's a box on your porch and you aren't home, have a neighbor pick it up.
• Ship to a different address: Ship valuable items to your business address or to a safe box location.

Porch pirates choose targets that require minimal effort. Choose not to be an easy target and they'll go somewhere else.

One more thing: Avoid putting mail with checks inside in those blue collection boxes. Instead, drop them inside your local Post Office. Check washing fraud has skyrocketed in recent years and outgoing checks are often targeted.

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