What is your worst nightmare when it comes to postal deliveries? Is it your dog attacking your mailman? Your packages not arriving on time – or not arriving at all? Maybe it’s the packages being opened and things ending up missing along the way. Or do you just hate when things get broken when shipping fragile items? One of the biggest fears we end up dealing with is packages arriving at the destination, but then going missing from the front porch. What happens to them? Is there anything you can do about it? The answer is positive! There is actually quite a number of things that you can do to stop it! In this article, find out how to prevent package theft at your home!
Ways to prevent package theft
So, what are the different ways in which you can go about securing your packages? Well, they can be divided into two major groups. The first one includes the ways in which you can deal with the packages that arrive at home. The second one will help you find other suitable locations where your packages will be safe. From there, you only need to go and grab your stuff and take them home. This is what you can do:
- find a smart package locker near you,
- change the delivery address,
- reroute your delivery to prevent package theft,
- install a security system,
- ask for delivery with a signature.
As you can notice, some of these are fairly easy to do, while others will take some work. Also, a couple of these methods will need your cash in a bit of money, while some of them are free. Of course, this list doesn’t end here, and you should research other options for your package delivery as well.
Use smart package lockers to prevent package theft
The first thing you can do is employ a smart package locker facility. The perk of this method is that your packages will be safe in a chosen locker. All you need to do is get to the facility, usually type in a code and you will get your package. However, this doesn’t work everywhere – it really depends on who you are getting your packages with. For example, Amazon Lockers offers its service for Amazon stores, but you won’t be able to secure other items there.
You should research if your shipper also has similar services available. UPS, for example, has the UPS Store where you can pick up your parcel. Another option is to get a smart locker somewhere in your city and pick up your packages from there.
Change your delivery address
Another way to prevent package theft that is similar to the first one we mentioned is simply changing your delivery address. This is simple enough – when you are ordering valuable items, and you know that you have nosy neighbors, you can reroute your delivery address to your workplace – or a friend that you trust. This way, you will be sure to receive your packages even when you are off at work.
The disadvantage to this method is that, after you receive a package, you again need to carry it back home with you. This can be easy enough for smaller things, but big packages will need some work.
Sometimes, this might be a necessary thing to do. You might be going off on a vacation, and your packages might be late. For a fee, delivery companies will usually let you reschedule the delivery time or the address. Luckily, you can track your order based on it’s tracking number. This is also why many professional relocation companies in Saudi Arabia include tracking parcels in their packages. You can feel at ease when you can follow where your package is, and how much more it needs to go.
Install a security system
This is a thing that might take up the most of your time (and money), but it’s a useful one. You can always look into and invest in a camera that will monitor your front porch. Not only will it be capturing any movement on your porch, but it will also serve to deter possible criminals from snooping around your home. All you need to do is place it somewhere visible, so people will know you have this type of protection.
You still might be skeptical about this, though. What if that doesn’t stop criminals? Well, you can always invest in a front door security camera which has a built-in alarm as well. This way, you will be sure to notify the police the moment the theft happens. Since the thieves will face serious charges for theft and property crime, this should make you more comfortable with having your package on the porch.
Require a signature on delivery
The final thing you can do to prevent package theft is to require a signature on delivery. What many people experience is that their delivery man signing packages for them. You can stop this by submitting the requirement of you personally signing off for the package. It doesn’t really matter which delivery company you are dealing with. They all can guarantee this service to you when getting your shipments via them. You just need to consult them about it.
You might ask how this will stop your delivery person from signing it, and the answer is simple. If they leave a package that you didn’t sign off unattended, then you can take legal action against these companies. You can get a full refund or a replacement of products.
