Special Report: How to thwart porch pirates
In a special report, KRDO NewsChannel 13 brings you ways to fight back against porch pirates this holiday season.
It’s starting to turn into a big Christmas crisis — thieves are running up to porches and snagging packages that are left by delivery drivers. Even arming ourselves on our doors is not stopping them.
“They walk off like it’s their own package,” said Kevin and Nancy Boyd, who lost hundreds of dollars after two packages were stolen off their porch. “It’s very frustrating.”
So how do we stop them? We put some gadgets to the test.
No. 1 — the BoxLock (pictured below)
Here’s how it works: You can attach the BoxLock to a storage compartment that’s secured on your front porch. You make an order online, and input the order tracking number on the BoxLock app. Then, when the package arrives, the delivery driver will scan the tracking number which will only release packages to you.
The Boyds tried it out for two months and gave it a thumbs up.
“Would you recommend it to someone else?” we asked. “Yes, I already have,” Nancy said.
No. 2 — the Package Guard (pictured below)
It’s a frisbee-sized device that alerts you when a package has been delivered to your house. It all works through the app, so when the packages arrive on your doorstep you’re alerted. But if a porch pirate even tried to steal the package off, a 100-decibel alarm would sound off. You and whoever else in your circle would also receive an alert.
The only catch? It has to be secured on your porch, otherwise, thieves will just run away with it and your packages.
No. 3 — Amazon Locker (pictured below)
Here’s how it works: This service allows you to go to a specific delivery location to pick up and return your packages. You can find a nearby location online, just plug in your code when you get there and a box will open with your package. It’s always a safe and easy option.
No. 4 — The old-fashioned lockbox (pictured below)
This one pretty self-explanatory — it’s a simple lock with a simple code attached to a box. Some experts say you can never go wrong with this option.
So no matter what you choose, remember these thieves will go to great lengths to rip you off, even impersonating delivery men and women, as seen below.
Some even making their great escape on just two wheels.
But luck won’t always be on their side. As pictured below, when a box blew up in a porch pirates face.
Experts suggest doorbell cameras are an excellent tool to have on your property. Even though they may not stop the theft itself, they could help identify the thief or give you a way to alert your neighbors on apps like Nextdoor.
