A forecast record for online shopping this holiday season will undoubtedly result in a record number of packages delivered.
Along with the expected increase in packages delivered comes a grim warning: porch piracy also may become more prominent this year.
Delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, and the United States Postal Service say the number of packages stolen usually increases this time of year, partly because more packages are being delivered and because some deliveries will be made past sunset and well into the evening hours.
The Las Cruces Police Departments has these tips to help prevent porch piracy:
- Track deliveries online and try to be home at the time packages are delivered.
- Require a signature for all home delivery packages.
- When scheduling a delivery, leave instructions on where the package can be delivered.
- Request electronic notification when delivery is made.
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to receive your package at the time of delivery.
- If possible, have the package delivered to your place of employment or a location where you know it can be securely received.
- Schedule online purchases from big-box retailers to be delivered to their local store where you can arrange for curbside pickup.
- Have the package delivered to a FedEx or UPS store where it can be held for pickup.
- Consider installing a motion-detection home security system, such as a Ring or Nest, that records video and sends immediate notice of activity to your smartphone.
- Be a good neighbor and watch for suspicious activity. Immediately call the police if any such activity is seen in your neighborhood.
Consumers might also consider purchasing insurance for the contents of packages at the time delivery is scheduled. Insuring the items does not prevent them from being stolen but does help provide restitution if items go missing.