Protecting Packages from Porch Thieves
The convenience of online shopping for clothes, gifts, food, electronics and more is second to none. As U.S. online retail sales steadily increase in the past years, package theft increases as well. Amazon alone had over $177 billion in sales in 2017.
Deliveries are dropped at your front door, and these deliveries are sought after by porch thieves. Many times, these thieves follow closely behind your local carrier and simply carry off your deliveries once the carrier has left. With the rise of online sales, porch theft is not just a holiday problem anymore.
Use these tips to prevent your deliveries from falling into the wrong hands:
- Take Advantage of Technology. Most carriers will alert you once a package has been delivered. If you’re not home, ask a friend or neighbor to keep it safe for you. Video monitoring solutions can allow you to peek in at your home in real-time AND send you real-time alerts when a person, animal, package or vehicle comes in or stays in the field of view for a period of time.
- Don’t Ship to an Empty Home. Ship your items to a friend or relative’s home who will likely be home on the anticipated delivery date. Or, if your employer allows, have your packages shipped to work instead.
- Personalize your Delivery. Update your special delivery instructions with your shipper, whether it’s between your screen door and main door or on the back porch instead of the front, this can help. The post office will also hold mail for pickup if requested.
- Use the Buddy System. Enlist your neighbors to be on the lookout for packages in open view on your property. If you do the same, your neighborhood will be a safer place. If you see suspicious activity, don’t hesitate to contact the police.
New technology Alert! Amazon recently launched the “Amazon Key” in certain zip codes. This will give a one-time access code into your front door, allowing deliveries to be made inside your home. Would you trust your carrier to have this access?
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Locally owned and operated, Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have developed a reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have many choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about us.
Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing, Doorbell Camera and LiftMaster Garage Control as part of our Home Automation offerings.
For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410.546.2210. But don’t just take our word for it: read what our customers are saying.
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“Even though our system was installed some years ago, we were so impressed with your service techs. They came into our house only days after a break-in, in fact, our carpets were still damp from cleaning the finger print dust. 
