10 Clever Ways to Foil Porch Pirates
Updated: Oct. 11, 2023
More than 25 million Americans have their packages stolen right from their doorsteps by porch pirates each year—don't be one of them.
Require a Signature
When your shopping cart is full, your payment information is entered, and it’s time to choose your shipping details, take a moment to check off “signature required.” This is an option with all the major services, like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS. If you’re in a bind and won’t be home to sign for your package, see if your delivery service will let you redirect the package to a trusted neighbor’s address—UPS MyChoice does this, for instance. You can often request a delivery confirmation, too.
These are the best, inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.
Pay for a Package Receiving Service
If you’re hardly ever around to receive packages, consider signing up for a paid service that will receive and protect your packages until you can pick them up. Major delivery services like FedEx and UPS offer locker services internationally, but you probably have a local package receiving center if you live in a big city like New York (see Go Locker and City CoPilot). Of course, you can always rent a USPS post office box, too.
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Use the Doorman App
If you work a nine-to-five job and want your packages delivered at night, Doorman is the app for you. Your packages will go straight to your local Doorman address—as of now, there are locations in New York City, San Francisco, and Chicago only, but the company is growing. Then, schedule a time from 6 pm to midnight (when you’re home to receive it) to have your package delivered to your door by one of Doorman’s drivers.
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Get a Porch Pirate Bag
Outsmart package thieves with this 30-inch x 40-inch PVC reinforced nylon bag that locks to your front door or gate. Instruct delivery people to drop your package inside, then lock it using the attached combination lock. Even though the Porch Pirate bag could conceivably be cut open by a determined thief, it more than likely would be an effective deterrent—and at $35, it’s a relatively affordable experiment.
Get Amazon Key
If you’re an Amazon Prime member in an eligible location, you can sign up for Amazon Key and have your packages delivered inside your home or vehicle—and despite the name, no key is required. First, you install the Amazon Key Home Kit, which includes a smart lock, security camera and the Amazon Key app. Then you can remotely unlock your door via the app to let the delivery person inside; the camera lets you watch live footage of them coming and going. Postal carriers see these 12 unusual things every day.
Get Amazon Locker
Amazon offers a second option for thwarting porch pirates: an authorized Amazon Locker. Use the online zip code locator to find a locker near you, and use that as your delivery address. It’s free to use—and if you’re a Prime member, you’re entitled to free two-day shipping. Returning a package to Amazon? You can even drop it off here, too! These DIY mudroom lockers keep you entryway tidy.
Buy a Package Guard
This Frisbee-like device is a virtual security guard. Connect it to your WiFi and position it on your doorstep, instructing delivery people to place packages on top of it. If a would-be porch pirate attempts to steal the package or the Package Guard device itself, a loud internal siren will be activated. The only way to deactivate the alarm is via the Package Guard app.
Photo: Courtesy of Package Guard
Set Up a Security Camera
Take your cue from homeowners who’ve caught package thieves red-handed, and install a security camera near your front door. The battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell with night vision is a great choice. If your objective is simply to deter thieves, consider a $13 pair of WALI “dummy” cameras, which look incredibly realistic. Learn how to install surveillance cameras.
Install Motion Detector Lights
Porch pirates don’t take well to the spotlight, so deter them with motion-sensor lights. Amazon sells plenty of popular systems, like this one by Baxia Technology that has more than 800 five-star reviews.
Here’s how to choose and install motion-sensor lighting.
Install a Home Security System
When you install a whole-home security system to thwart would-be home invaders, porch pirates are likely to be scared off just by the sticker in your window. A recent study revealed that homes without them are 300 times more likely to be vandalized. Ring, Honeywell, and ADT are among the best brands on the market, according to Consumer Reports.
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Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
