Learn how to Forestall Stolen Packages from Your Dwelling

How many individuals take care of stolen packages every day? Greater than you’ll be able to consider.

In keeping with a survey from LendingTree’s ValuePenguin, greater than one-third of Individuals have had a package deal stolen from their entrance step or mailbox.

Of these having to take care of lacking packages, most (62%) stay in single household properties.

Stolen packages are likely to spike throughout the vacation procuring season. So-called porch pirates know that is the time of yr for prime pickings.

Actually, it’s disgusting.

That’s why I’ve determined to deal with this matter.

Learn how to stop stolen packages from your own home

I wish to share with you what corporations like Amazon will or is not going to do if you report a package deal stolen or not delivered.

Additionally, I wish to let you understand how efficient (or ineffective) digicam doorbells may be in safety packages left at your door or on the porch.

As well as, I’ve acquired recommendation on what to do if you happen to uncover you’ve had a package deal stolen.

Lastly, I’ve acquired some tricks to keep away from worrying about stolen packages.

Will retailer exchange stolen packages

In keeping with that survey from LendingTree’s ValuePenguin, practically one-quarter of packages stolen are taken from condo buildings.

This has been true for my youthful daughter.

She lives in an condo constructing in Pittsburgh the place, sadly, Amazon and different packages are left on the entrance steps.

Certain, the Amazon driver texts an image of the package deal to her after they depart it.

But when she’s not dwelling, there’s no assure that both her neighbors will carry it in or a porch pirate gained’t stroll by and stroll off with it.

In actual fact, just lately that is precisely what occurred.

And you already know what? Amazon was nice about changing her package deal.

We’ve by no means had an issue with different corporations leaving packages that get stolen.

That’s as a result of she makes use of GoPuff to produce other deliveries executed. GoPuff has been a life saver for guaranteeing orders get to their ultimate vacation spot.

Video doorbells don’t at all times stop stolen packages

In keeping with that very same survey, six in 10 individuals who had packages stolen from their doorstep had some form of safety system arrange.

Nevertheless, it’s not clear if this safety system was a video doorbell.

In my view, if you wish to arrange a video doorbell to guard deliveries, get one the place you’ll be able to discuss to the particular person by it.

That manner if you happen to see somebody as much as no good, you’ll be able to say one thing and hopefully scare them off.

Which video doorbells allow you to discuss by them? Think about these manufacturers.

I reviewed Simplisafe right here.

What to do if a package deal is stolen

Your first line of protection with a stolen package deal is to contact the corporate that despatched it.

Like I mentioned, when my daughter’s Amazon package deal went lacking from her condo constructing, she reached out to Amazon. They despatched a alternative.

An alternative choice if it’s not Amazon (which often makes use of its personal drivers) is to contact the shipper, be it UPS or USPS or FedEx. 

Additionally, if the corporate that shipped you the now-missing package deal isn’t being useful, contemplate reaching out to your bank card firm.

Then you’ll be able to dispute the cost and, hopefully, gained’t should pay for it.

Lastly, if the merchandise you ordered was costly and would value extra to interchange than your householders insurance coverage deductible, then you definately would possibly wish to report it to your insurance coverage firm.

Learn how to keep away from having packages stolen

You might not like listening to this recommendation, however right here is one of the simplest ways, I consider, to keep away from having packages stolen: don’t have them delivered to your own home.

Yeah, I do know, we now have gotten so used to the comfort of getting packing containers dropped on our doorsteps. I get it–I actually do.

Nevertheless, if you happen to stay someplace the place these porch pirates are an actual risk, it is advisable to not have packages in your porch. Ever.

So, what choices do you’ve gotten? Learn on for some suggestions

Use an Amazon Locker close to you

When you’re a giant Amazon shopper, begin have your packages delivered to a close by Amazon locker.

Technically, these are known as Amazon Hub Lockers.

How do you discover one close to you? This web page on the Amazon web site explains how you can discover a locker close to you.

Certain, there are Amazon Lockers in massive field shops like Staples and likewise at Entire Meals–as a result of, you already know, Amazon owns Entire Meals.

Nevertheless, chances are you’ll be stunned on the choices if you happen to don’t stay close to procuring hubs. 

For instance, I stay in a reasonably rural space in Western Pennsylvania.

I’ve to drive no less than half-hour to buy at Aldi, Goal or Petco.

Once I looked for an Amazon Hub Locker close to me, I discovered 4 close to me–all nearer than 8 miles away.

One was only a few blocks away at a neighborhood pharmacy–we’re speaking strolling distance.

The opposite locations close to me with Amazon Lockers ranged from a comic book e-book store to a comfort retailer.

Can anybody use an Amazon Locker

Imagine it or not, you don’t should be an Amazon Prime Member to make use of certainly one of their lockers.

I assumed for certain they’d reserve this comfort for paying members solely.

Nope. I’m so glad I used to be fallacious about that.

So, if you happen to store on Amazon and don’t pay for Prime–which suggests you seemingly are paying for transport already–you’ll be able to simply have your packages shipped securely to an Amazon Locker.

Then, as soon as your package deal arrives, you’ll have three days to select it up.

Learn how to choose up a package deal at an Amazon Locker

Amazon says that there are often two methods to select up a package deal at an Amazon Locker.

One, you’ll want a six-digit code and barcode to scan; each will arrive in an electronic mail affirmation of your supply.

Two, the locker requires a Smartphone with the Amazon procuring app on it.

You’ll know this if you select which locker to make use of in your pickup.

Anyway, then the steps to select up by way of the app will likely be much like these within the first choice.

Lastly, within the first scenario, you’ll be able to have another person choose up a package deal for you.

All it is advisable to do is ahead the e-mail affirmation to them with the six-digit code and barcode. Then, they’ll use that to get your package deal.

When you must enter a code and scan a barcode to get right into a locker, nobody goes to be stealing your packages.

Select store on-line and choose up in retailer

As I wrote on this article about shops that allow you to store on-line and choose up in retailer, there are such a lot of retailers providing this feature at this time.

Whereas there’s not numerous positives that got here out of 2020, this added comfort for procuring is certainly certainly one of them.

Additionally, most of the retailers provide drive up choices, simply as you’ll for selecting up groceries at shops like Walmart. 

I’m a giant fan of Goal Drive Up and use it practically each time I purchase one thing at Goal.

Nevertheless, many different main manufacturers and retailers allow you to drive up.

I’ve seen drive up parking spots at retailers starting from Staples to Nordstrom to Finest Purchase to Ceremony Assist.

Once more, I understand that having to drive someplace to select up your buy is just not handy. Nevertheless it just about ensures no extra stolen packages.

When you’d prefer to learn the entire LendingTree ValuePenguin survey on porch pirates and stolen packages, here’s a hyperlink.