Public Safety
Go to The Physical Store!
The #1 way to avoid porch piracy is to go straight to the store for fast, efficient store pickup!
Add Delivery Instructions
Many large e-commerce retailers provide delivery instructions. For Amazon orders, end users can easily identify and provide direction for couriers. If you live in a frequented urban area that has large volumes of foot traffic then this tool can assist in helping to keep those packages hidden. Additionally, if you live in a home with a yard, you can direct the delivery to the side or backyards.
Deliver to a Neighbor’s Home or a Friend / Family Member
Another great way to prevent porch pirates is to have packages delivered directly to a location where you know someone will be home. If you have a trusted neighbor that is retired, works from home or have a family member or close friend that lives nearby this is a great option.
Make It Look Like Someone is Home
By having porches brightly lit, leaving interior lights on while the home is unattended, or simply having a car or cars in the driveway. Potential thieves tend to stay away from homes that are less than easy targets. The notion that a resident of the location may be home is enough to deter potential porch thefts. Consider getting a motion activated porch light.
Two Way Video Doorbells
Video doorbells helps curb potential package larceny. With motion detected video monitoring systems now readily available and affordable, thieves can easily be caught in their tracks. Two-way video doorbells, like Ring and Nest, allow notifications that are sent to smartphones.
Front Porch Package Storage Systems
Products like exterior weatherproof lockers and weatherproof pouches have become commonplace for individuals serious about combating porch thievery.
Send the Packages to Work
A great, hassle-free way to combat porch pirates is to send the packages directly to work. Since most packages are delivered during normal business hours, deliveries can be shipped to your work location. If a customer is physically present to receive a package, the odds of a porch pirate stealing the package quickly approaches zero.
Deliver to Lockers or Brick & Mortars
Several large merchants including Amazon, Macys and Costco (amongst others) allow customers to deliver to the brick and mortar store in their neighborhood of choice. Amazon offers lockers in more than 900 cities in the United States alone!
The largest e-commerce store, Amazon, provides one-time codes for locker usage alleviates porch pirates altogether. These lockers are located at local convenience stores and university bookstores across the country.
Set Delivery Times & Dates
Several merchants allow customers to set predetermined dates or times to accommodate schedules. Companies like Amazon permit the user to set up set dates for respective prime dates and even grant credits for Amazon Days.
Uptown Security Patrol / Tactical Protective Services– Uptown Dallas Inc., along with supplying supplemental ENP officers during peak times, also employs a third-party security company, Tactical Protective Services..
ENP (Extended Neighborhood Patrol) – Uptown Dallas Inc. utilizes funds to hire off-duty Dallas Police Officers to patrol Uptown during peak hours. These officers have often times been the first responders to incidents within the district.