Preventing Packages from Getting Stolen in Your HOA
It’s an all-too-familiar scenario: A long-awaited package finally arrives, only to be taken from your front porch before you get home. If you’re like most people, you probably feel violated, helpless, and annoyed. It’s completely normal to feel upset in the moment. Luckily, you can do a few things to minimize the chances of getting a package stolen off your porch.
The rise in online shopping has caused a disturbing trend in people stealing the goods left on the porch. The people doing the dirty work are called porch pirates. Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages right from your front door. This theft is happening to millions of homeowners and costing victims countless dollars.
These pirates may not sail the high seas, but they’re just as clever. They are known to follow delivery trucks around, and as soon as they drop off the packages, the thieves grab the loot. Research shows that more than a third of Americans have had a package stolen from their porch at least once. So, if it hasn’t happened to you yet, you could be next. That is if you don’t take the proper measures to secure your property.
3 Tips to Prevent Porch Theft
So, let’s cut to the chase: Here are some ways to start protecting your packages today, plus some advice on what to do if a package is stolen off your porch.
Install a Doorbell Camera and Consider Extra Security Cameras
Thanks to modern technology, we can see what is happening in our homes even if we are miles away. A smart home security system with a smart lock and a doorbell camera gives you several ways to prevent theft.
You can’t always schedule package deliveries ahead of time. But you can use Home Automation from My Alarm Center. You can add easy-to-install doorbell cameras, two-way voice cameras, or video surveillance that alerts your smartphone when a delivery person rings your doorbell. These protocols could allow you to go home to secure your packages or ask a neighbor to secure them for you. You can also receive real-time notifications of suspicious activity and share them with the local police.
How Do Doorbell Cameras Work?
Doorbell cameras are one of the most accessible and most affordable home security devices. Most cameras on the market today offer a 160-degree field of view. Plus, two-way audio that connects straight to your smartphone.
You can hear and see what is happening on your front porch with doorbell cameras. From there, you can see exactly when your package is delivered and communicate with the delivery person to place it in a safer location.
Additional Security for Your Home
Adding additional security cameras to your property allows a broader perspective of what is happening at your home while you are away.
If you, like many homeowners, have multiple locations where a package could be left, adding security cameras will help keep every part of your property secure. The best part is with wireless connectivity, you can still monitor everything from your smartphone.
Use Real-Time Video
Today’s video technology allows you to livestream your home to see what is happening whenever needed, which is a helpful feature. Not only can you see and speak to a thief in real-time, but you can also see a delivery person, unlock your door, and ask the delivery driver to set the package inside the door. After the door closes, you can easily lock it. Porch pirates aren’t big fans of this technology and will stay away from homes equipped with these systems. So whether you’re worried about a neighbor who stole your package in the past or any other porch pirates, real-time streaming can minimize the chance of it happening again.
Invest In SmartHome Security
Smart home security is the most effective method when protecting you and your home from porch pirates. Monitor everything in your smart home security through a single app, including:
Who last accessed the system
Whether a door was left open
Control lights and locks
You’ll never have to wonder what to do about stolen packages again because you’ll have all the information you need to handle any situation and deter would-be porch pirates.
Smart home security is the most complete way to secure your property, packages, and family. Arm and disarm your system, switch off the lights or adjust the thermostat from wherever you are. How do you think the porch pirate will feel about being greeted with the blaring Pirates of the Caribbean theme when they approach your packages? You can make it happen between your smart home system and connected smart home assistant. With real-time alerts, you will always know what is happening at home.
What To Do About a Stolen Package
By professionally securing your home, you significantly decrease the chances of losing packages to thieves. But never say never. If someone does still swipe a package off your porch, you can take a few steps to get a replacement or refund. Here are a few tips on what to do if someone steals your package from your porch:
File a police report. If you’ve had something stolen off your porch, your first item of business should be to file a police report. They may not be able to do much about it if you don’t have any evidence. But if you have footage from a video doorbell or other home security, they’ll have a better chance of catching the criminals. You can also use your police report to file an insurance claim.
Contact the sender. Some companies have generous policies about porch theft and will send you a new product immediately if you contact them. Contact the sender to find out if you can get a replacement. If not, maybe you can get a refund on the item.
Report it to the delivery company. Whether your package was delivered by Amazon, FedEx, UPS, or USPS, it’s worth contacting the delivery company to see if they’ll give you a refund or resend the package. You may need to fill out a lost package claim. Keep track of your order number and emails relating to your package.
Contact Us
Got questions? Condominium Associates is here to help! We are your South Florida condominium association, ready to help HOAs and COAs manage their properties for the utmost safety. Call us today!