You can know the delivery driver has your code to your box to put your packages in, and then lock it.
The App is available in both Android and iOS. For more on the best outdoor security cameras, check out our guide here. He has introduced a bill to offer a $75 tax credit to porch pirate victims who put in an anti-theft device. Sounds like something I would want to do. For Donna, though, her porch pirate problems are a thing of the past. Delivery people can drop packages into it, but only you can open it with a key. While most of the solutions appear to make sense, our testing revealed what we perceive as serious security engineering issues in at least two different approaches in products that we analyzed. This allows you to skip that monthly cloud storage fee and you can see the images on your smartphone.
After our experience with CleverMade, we decided to look at a different technical approach to the problem: an electronic padlock that is attached to a secure lock box that is provided by the customer. At the same time, the device sends a notification to your phone telling you that your package has been moved. It's called the FRED delivery box. As deliveries begin to roll in ahead of the holiday season, it's prime time for porch pirates to swipe unprotected packages off of doorsteps. So which video doorbell do we recommend?
The Raspberry Pi sets everything off if it detects that someone other than Ryder has removed the package from the cameras view. One such company is BoxLock. House Bill 22-1030 does have one caveat, though. Alternatively, if you have a free account with UPS or FedEx, you can specify a day and window of time youd like your package delivered so that you can plan to be home when it arrives.
With this kit, you can receive alerts when a courier arrives and watch them deliver the package inside your home. If youre not familiar with Ryders dog-detecting (and happiness-boosting) build, check it out below. Here are our tips for theft-proofing your entire house this winter. This service is available in select areas in the US. A steel lock box to protect deliveries for a few seconds. The device will withstand rainy or snowy conditions.
"It's a quick theft," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Genae Cook toldCBS affiliate WTTV. Its product, also called BoxLock, is a smart padlock that works with a related BoxLock app., Here's how it's supposed to work: A BoxLock delivery partner uses the lock to scan the package barcode. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Some package thieves work at night, scooping up packages from mailrooms, lobbies and porches, but many operate in broad daylight, brazenly stealing any package they can find. Copyright Block Porch Pirates 2018. Wi-Fi connectivity ensures that you promptly receive notifications from the device. One box thats insulated that would hold everything.. TheAmazon Key In-Home Kitis required to enable the Key service.
This is hardly a practical long-term solution for all your deliveries, but if its something of value, its always a smart option. But there are ways to fight back. With these tips, you can at least make life as difficult as possible for your local porch pirates. Now many homes are empty again during the day and thieves are more brazen than ever. The Arlo Video Doorbell is our current top pick in the category. A new, cheaper alternative: a floodlight security camera. The question for consumers that have purchased these at premium prices is whether the cost is worth a few seconds of delay, and whether they are better off investing in other technology that may be more secure. Its free to useand if youre a Prime member, youre entitled to free two-day shipping. These are the best, inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.
Amazon also offers a Locker programin select areas. We also included a few alternatives, in case the Yale is sold out or low in stock. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. Do you need a guaranteed solution that will work against the package thieves at all scenarios? That said, they are the only company that makes a peephole camera, which is a great option for those living in apartments.
CleverMade produces a steel lock box to deter package theft. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Of course, you have to travel to an Amazon Locker location, but these kiosks let you pick up Amazon packages on your own schedule with a six-digit code (rather than worrying about something sitting on your front porch). We have our customers best interest in mind when developing products.
It will detect changes in movement in any package between this range and it will alert you in case it is moved by an unauthorized person. You buy a product and ship it to your home only to have a porch pirate beat you to the punch. Top Apple Deals for July 2022: Can We Interest You in $99 AirPods and $309 iPads? Those who want the ultimate in security should take a look at the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, which records in 4K, can follow people as they walk through the frame, and let you zoom in to get a closer look at anyone you dont recognize.
He figured that package stealers would be deterred by blaring sirens and flashing red lights. Postal carriers see these 12 unusual things every day.
Check thislist of citiesto see if the Key service is available where you live. The CleverMade lock box looks secure and would no doubt deter some opportunistic thieves from stealing your packages. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 2022 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Major delivery services like FedEx and UPS offer locker services internationally, but you probably have a local package receiving center if you live in a big city like New York (see Go Locker and City CoPilot). If for whatever reason the lid is locked before a package is placed in the box, you can easily unlock it with your phone no matter where youre at, and the app will also send you notifications whenever the box is locked or unlocked. Read more:The best smart garage door openers. But you can also program the lights to turn on and off at set times. The hardwired Arlo Video Doorbell has high-definition resolution, a live video feed, motion alerts and more -- for a super reasonable price. When Megan isn't writing, she's planning far-flung adventures.
From there, smart doorbell cams will have more advanced features, such as person, animal and package detection, the ability to capture footage in the seconds before the motion sensor is activated, and the ability to send notifications with additional context.
Then you can remotely unlock your door via the app to let the delivery person inside; the camera lets you watch live footage of them coming and going.
But if you have a home security system at home, another easy way of monitoring your mailbox is using a door/window sensor -- one of those magnetic gadgets that pings the system when an entryway is opened -- inside the door of your box.
The design premise of this product links the delivery service to the ability to open the padlock and lock box by scanning the bar code on the shipping label. However, you shouldnt drop it in water as it might affect the inner workings of the device. The devices inventor debuted the box at the Oklahoma State Fair, and it could be the answer to a very annoying problem, One injured after a shooting in Burlington Saturday morning, Danville police investigating an early morning shooting that left one man dead, one injured. If you work a nine-to-five job and want your packages delivered at night, Doorman is the app for you. If youre hardly ever around to receive packages, consider signing up for a paid service that will receive and protect your packages until you can pick them up. This Frisbee-like device is a virtual security guard. The design allows you to share a lock code ahead of delivery, ensuring your package is safe.
I was contacted by a colleague, the CEO of a U.S. lock manufacturer, who was shopping at a Costco store in Oregon and found a steel lock box specifically designed to allow package delivery personnel to securely drop off their goods in order to protect them from theft. Porch pirates dont take well to the spotlight, so deter them with motion-sensor lights. The Anti-theft cable ensures that your device remains safe on your porch. Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Summer 2022? Likewise, Amazon will also let you pick your delivery day. All you have to do is set it up and leave it on your porch.
Security cameras are nothing new, but like doorbell cams, modern versions are connected to the internet and come with detection features that can alert you in the event that theres unusual activity around your house.
These DIY mudroom lockers keep you entryway tidy. We can always rely on Ryder Calm Downs YouTube channel for unique and quasi-bonkers builds. And Ryder had an interesting technique to train the machine learning model to recognise him: If you want to make your own anti-porch pirate device, Ryder has shared everything you need on GitHub.
If none of the above tech options appeal to you, don't fret. If you do fall victim to a porch pirate, this footage can be used to help track down the culprit, but merely having one of these at your door can deter someone from even attempting to steal your package in the first place. When your shopping cart is full, your payment information is entered, and its time to choose your shipping details, take a moment to check off signature required. This is an option with all the major services, like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS.
Valdez dressed up like a pirate for a few laughs during the bill presentation. Thanks!
Here is the response, in part, that I received from Quinn: With millions of packages being stolen across America our intent was to provide a deterrent to these unscrupulous thieves.
She said, You can be at work. It's our top pick in the smart security camera category. The other drawbacks of these boxes are prices, which start around $150. If the system detects a package, it gets ready to deploy the anti-thief traps. This device includes an anti-theft Cable to secure your Porch and sounds a loud 100 dB Alarm notifying you when the package or the device have been moved. Just as the name sounds, its a big box that you put on your porch. The growing crime trend has been hard to curb, until now. It includes one Key-enabled Amazon Cloud Cam indoor security camera and one Amazon-approved third-party smart lock. Unless youre ordering something oversized or irregularly shaped (such as a TV), and dont live in a super remote part of the country, Amazon has an entire network of these lockers in stores and other publicly-accessible spaces which are a reasonable distance from where you live. Ring, Honeywell, and ADT are among the best brands on the market, according to Consumer Reports. First, you install the Amazon Key Home Kit, which includes a smart lock, security camera and the Amazon Key app.
The battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell with night vision is a great choice. It's one thing to tuck packages behind, you know, bushes or behind pillars on porches.
Megan Wollerton has covered technology for CNET since 2013. This legislative session, Rep. Alex Valdez has a different idea. Many retailers will give you the option of shipping to one of their stores thats closest to you or to another business theyre partnered with, letting you pick up the package at your convenience. Megan has a master's degree from the University of Louisville and a bachelor's degree from Connecticut College, both in international relations. This includes connected home security products, such as video doorbells and home security cameras, which can deter porch pirates from the act altogether, or give you a good look at them if theyre still bold enough to attempt a heist. Ring has a device specifically for tracking when people are opening your mailbox, which makes tracking deliveries a lot easier. If youre an Amazon Prime member in an eligible location, you can sign up for Amazon Key and have your packages delivered inside your home or vehicleand despite the name, no key is required. They are really just floodlights that double as security cameras. Our partners at Consumer Reports recommend several ways to keep your packages and home more secure. If youre in a bind and wont be home to sign for your package, see if your delivery service will let you redirect the package to a trusted neighbors addressUPS MyChoice does this, for instance. This lock is a more sophisticated solution than CleverMade and a lot more engineering went into its development. We recommend our users to update the browser. I don't know that there's going to be one right solution, so maybe having an array of solutions is really the answer here, said Akaka. 2022 Forbes Media LLC. You will also receive an alert via the app on your phone once your package is delivered. The bill was laid over for lawmakers to discuss possible amendments and then take action another day. The selling point of this device is the 100-decibel alarm that goes off once your device is moved. Read on to find out what products and services will help you keep a virtual "eye" on your holiday packages, no matter where you are.. If this is the case, a tried-and-true floodlamp with a motion sensor will not only illuminate the areas captured on camera (offering a better look at anyone approaching your doorstep), but also make them visible to passersby. A few that stand out include the Nest Hello Video Doorbell, which can detect familiar faces; the Eufy Pro Cam 2K, which stores your footage on a local hard drive so you dont have to pay for a cloud subscription, and the Arlo Video Doorbell, which has a number of smart AI-powered features to make sure nothing goes unnoticed. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission. However, what if you could have your own personal dropoff locker? She is a board member of the Louisville chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Consumer Reports recommends the the $180 Eufy light, which stores recordings locally on the camera itself. Instead of monitoring traditional outdoor deliveries with outdoor cameras, the Amazon Key service allows Amazon to deliver packagesinsideyour home. To get the most out of these connected camera products, you will usually need to buy a monthly cloud subscription, too. Did you know that if you buy something on Amazon, you can have it shipped to a secured locker that unlocks with a password supplied to you by Amazon?
If a would-be porch pirate attempts to steal the package or the Package Guard device itself, a loud internal siren will be activated. So, what strategies can you employ to defeat this neighborhood menace? So, we don't even have really good data on how prevalent this problem is, Valdez said. Here are 10 ways to refresh a tired porch. Then, schedule a time from 6 pm to midnight (when youre home to receive it) to have your package delivered to your door by one of Doormans drivers. A recent study revealed that homes without them are 300 times more likely to be vandalized.
He told me they attempted to open a dozen of their boxes and could not replicate what we demonstrated. Every product is independently selected by our editors. PMC Entertainment, This includes connected home security products, such as, The Best Places to Buy College Apparel Make Showing College Pride Too Easy, My Cat Finally Stopped Vomiting After Every Meal Using One of These 10 Cat Food Puzzles, What to Watch in August: The 19 Best New Streaming Releases on HBO Max, Paramount+, Disney+ and Netflix, The 16 Best Coolers for Keeping Drinks and Food Cold No Matter the Location.
Before that, she wrote for NBC's Dvice.com (now SyFy).
Watch the video that shows four different methods of attack; all simply, quickly, and easily executed without damage or evidence of entry. It may not be as convenient as having your package delivered to your home, but its pretty quick and easy to pop into a 7-11, enter a password at the locker terminal, and walk out with your undisturbed goods. Its a great option if you can get delivery people to use it, but that can vary. Its easy to install, with no complex or intimidating wiring, and they are affordable.
The survey ranked Denver as number one for the most porch pirate thefts in 2021, knocking San Francisco out of the top position after a three-year streak. You can often request a delivery confirmation, too.
Package Guard is a Device You Will Appreciate if You Receive Packages Regularly. The boxes were designed, developed and are being sold by CleverMade at Costco, Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, and others. The 22 Best Backpacks for College Students in 2022, Stop Package Thieves Once and for All With One of These Doorbell Video Cameras. There are real solutions, but consumers should be knowledgeable about those that properly address the problem. Seim says big companies like Amazon have done a good job with their customer service by replacing packages that go missing. These steel containers weigh about thirty-five pounds and can be accessed with an electronic keypad (with a four-digit code), or as an alternative, a bypass key. These package thieves have become quite skilled at swiping your goods while going unnoticed. It allows you to set the limited number and identity of people that can access the package without sounding the alarm. Colorado lawmakers have tried and failed in previous legislative sessions to crack down on porch piracy. TheBlankBox is an effective way to deter someone from stealing from you, plus, it makes for some entertaining video! Are you desperately looking to protect your next valuable package from the porch pirates? There are many such products on the market.
Another approach: an electronic padlock with bar code scanner.
In cases where somebody is caught stealing a package, there should be law enforcement activity, but at the same time we want to prevent that altogether, Valdez said. The lock is also associated with an App that allows an unlock code to be sent directly by the customer to the padlock. A Consumer Reports tester said many deliveries ended up left on the porch next to the box.
When choosing your shipping options during the checkout process, Amazon will tell you if your package can be delivered to a locker, and provide a list of locations for you to choose from.
Buy Now. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
If you want to kill two birds with one stone, there are lights that are integrated with home security cameras from brands such as Eufy, Arlo and Ring, some of which will also sound an alarm to ward off porch pirates.
The App is available in both Android and iOS. For more on the best outdoor security cameras, check out our guide here. He has introduced a bill to offer a $75 tax credit to porch pirate victims who put in an anti-theft device. Sounds like something I would want to do. For Donna, though, her porch pirate problems are a thing of the past. Delivery people can drop packages into it, but only you can open it with a key. While most of the solutions appear to make sense, our testing revealed what we perceive as serious security engineering issues in at least two different approaches in products that we analyzed. This allows you to skip that monthly cloud storage fee and you can see the images on your smartphone.
After our experience with CleverMade, we decided to look at a different technical approach to the problem: an electronic padlock that is attached to a secure lock box that is provided by the customer. At the same time, the device sends a notification to your phone telling you that your package has been moved. It's called the FRED delivery box. As deliveries begin to roll in ahead of the holiday season, it's prime time for porch pirates to swipe unprotected packages off of doorsteps. So which video doorbell do we recommend?
The Raspberry Pi sets everything off if it detects that someone other than Ryder has removed the package from the cameras view. One such company is BoxLock. House Bill 22-1030 does have one caveat, though. Alternatively, if you have a free account with UPS or FedEx, you can specify a day and window of time youd like your package delivered so that you can plan to be home when it arrives.
With this kit, you can receive alerts when a courier arrives and watch them deliver the package inside your home. If youre not familiar with Ryders dog-detecting (and happiness-boosting) build, check it out below. Here are our tips for theft-proofing your entire house this winter. This service is available in select areas in the US. A steel lock box to protect deliveries for a few seconds. The device will withstand rainy or snowy conditions.
"It's a quick theft," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Genae Cook toldCBS affiliate WTTV. Its product, also called BoxLock, is a smart padlock that works with a related BoxLock app., Here's how it's supposed to work: A BoxLock delivery partner uses the lock to scan the package barcode. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Some package thieves work at night, scooping up packages from mailrooms, lobbies and porches, but many operate in broad daylight, brazenly stealing any package they can find. Copyright Block Porch Pirates 2018. Wi-Fi connectivity ensures that you promptly receive notifications from the device. One box thats insulated that would hold everything.. TheAmazon Key In-Home Kitis required to enable the Key service.
This is hardly a practical long-term solution for all your deliveries, but if its something of value, its always a smart option. But there are ways to fight back. With these tips, you can at least make life as difficult as possible for your local porch pirates. Now many homes are empty again during the day and thieves are more brazen than ever. The Arlo Video Doorbell is our current top pick in the category. A new, cheaper alternative: a floodlight security camera. The question for consumers that have purchased these at premium prices is whether the cost is worth a few seconds of delay, and whether they are better off investing in other technology that may be more secure. Its free to useand if youre a Prime member, youre entitled to free two-day shipping. These are the best, inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.
Amazon also offers a Locker programin select areas. We also included a few alternatives, in case the Yale is sold out or low in stock. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. Do you need a guaranteed solution that will work against the package thieves at all scenarios? That said, they are the only company that makes a peephole camera, which is a great option for those living in apartments.
CleverMade produces a steel lock box to deter package theft. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Of course, you have to travel to an Amazon Locker location, but these kiosks let you pick up Amazon packages on your own schedule with a six-digit code (rather than worrying about something sitting on your front porch). We have our customers best interest in mind when developing products.
It will detect changes in movement in any package between this range and it will alert you in case it is moved by an unauthorized person. You buy a product and ship it to your home only to have a porch pirate beat you to the punch. Top Apple Deals for July 2022: Can We Interest You in $99 AirPods and $309 iPads? Those who want the ultimate in security should take a look at the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, which records in 4K, can follow people as they walk through the frame, and let you zoom in to get a closer look at anyone you dont recognize.
He figured that package stealers would be deterred by blaring sirens and flashing red lights. Postal carriers see these 12 unusual things every day.
Check thislist of citiesto see if the Key service is available where you live. The CleverMade lock box looks secure and would no doubt deter some opportunistic thieves from stealing your packages. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 2022 CNET, a Red Ventures company. Major delivery services like FedEx and UPS offer locker services internationally, but you probably have a local package receiving center if you live in a big city like New York (see Go Locker and City CoPilot). If for whatever reason the lid is locked before a package is placed in the box, you can easily unlock it with your phone no matter where youre at, and the app will also send you notifications whenever the box is locked or unlocked. Read more:The best smart garage door openers. But you can also program the lights to turn on and off at set times. The hardwired Arlo Video Doorbell has high-definition resolution, a live video feed, motion alerts and more -- for a super reasonable price. When Megan isn't writing, she's planning far-flung adventures.
From there, smart doorbell cams will have more advanced features, such as person, animal and package detection, the ability to capture footage in the seconds before the motion sensor is activated, and the ability to send notifications with additional context.
Then you can remotely unlock your door via the app to let the delivery person inside; the camera lets you watch live footage of them coming and going.
But if you have a home security system at home, another easy way of monitoring your mailbox is using a door/window sensor -- one of those magnetic gadgets that pings the system when an entryway is opened -- inside the door of your box.
The design premise of this product links the delivery service to the ability to open the padlock and lock box by scanning the bar code on the shipping label. However, you shouldnt drop it in water as it might affect the inner workings of the device. The devices inventor debuted the box at the Oklahoma State Fair, and it could be the answer to a very annoying problem, One injured after a shooting in Burlington Saturday morning, Danville police investigating an early morning shooting that left one man dead, one injured. If you work a nine-to-five job and want your packages delivered at night, Doorman is the app for you. If youre hardly ever around to receive packages, consider signing up for a paid service that will receive and protect your packages until you can pick them up. This Frisbee-like device is a virtual security guard. The design allows you to share a lock code ahead of delivery, ensuring your package is safe.
I was contacted by a colleague, the CEO of a U.S. lock manufacturer, who was shopping at a Costco store in Oregon and found a steel lock box specifically designed to allow package delivery personnel to securely drop off their goods in order to protect them from theft. Porch pirates dont take well to the spotlight, so deter them with motion-sensor lights. The Anti-theft cable ensures that your device remains safe on your porch. Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Summer 2022? Likewise, Amazon will also let you pick your delivery day. All you have to do is set it up and leave it on your porch.
Security cameras are nothing new, but like doorbell cams, modern versions are connected to the internet and come with detection features that can alert you in the event that theres unusual activity around your house.
These DIY mudroom lockers keep you entryway tidy. We can always rely on Ryder Calm Downs YouTube channel for unique and quasi-bonkers builds. And Ryder had an interesting technique to train the machine learning model to recognise him: If you want to make your own anti-porch pirate device, Ryder has shared everything you need on GitHub.
If none of the above tech options appeal to you, don't fret. If you do fall victim to a porch pirate, this footage can be used to help track down the culprit, but merely having one of these at your door can deter someone from even attempting to steal your package in the first place. When your shopping cart is full, your payment information is entered, and its time to choose your shipping details, take a moment to check off signature required. This is an option with all the major services, like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS.
Valdez dressed up like a pirate for a few laughs during the bill presentation. Thanks!
Here is the response, in part, that I received from Quinn: With millions of packages being stolen across America our intent was to provide a deterrent to these unscrupulous thieves.
She said, You can be at work. It's our top pick in the smart security camera category. The other drawbacks of these boxes are prices, which start around $150. If the system detects a package, it gets ready to deploy the anti-thief traps. This device includes an anti-theft Cable to secure your Porch and sounds a loud 100 dB Alarm notifying you when the package or the device have been moved. Just as the name sounds, its a big box that you put on your porch. The growing crime trend has been hard to curb, until now. It includes one Key-enabled Amazon Cloud Cam indoor security camera and one Amazon-approved third-party smart lock. Unless youre ordering something oversized or irregularly shaped (such as a TV), and dont live in a super remote part of the country, Amazon has an entire network of these lockers in stores and other publicly-accessible spaces which are a reasonable distance from where you live. Ring, Honeywell, and ADT are among the best brands on the market, according to Consumer Reports. First, you install the Amazon Key Home Kit, which includes a smart lock, security camera and the Amazon Key app.
The battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell with night vision is a great choice. It's one thing to tuck packages behind, you know, bushes or behind pillars on porches.
Megan Wollerton has covered technology for CNET since 2013. This legislative session, Rep. Alex Valdez has a different idea. Many retailers will give you the option of shipping to one of their stores thats closest to you or to another business theyre partnered with, letting you pick up the package at your convenience. Megan has a master's degree from the University of Louisville and a bachelor's degree from Connecticut College, both in international relations. This includes connected home security products, such as video doorbells and home security cameras, which can deter porch pirates from the act altogether, or give you a good look at them if theyre still bold enough to attempt a heist. Ring has a device specifically for tracking when people are opening your mailbox, which makes tracking deliveries a lot easier. If youre an Amazon Prime member in an eligible location, you can sign up for Amazon Key and have your packages delivered inside your home or vehicleand despite the name, no key is required. They are really just floodlights that double as security cameras. Our partners at Consumer Reports recommend several ways to keep your packages and home more secure. If youre in a bind and wont be home to sign for your package, see if your delivery service will let you redirect the package to a trusted neighbors addressUPS MyChoice does this, for instance. This lock is a more sophisticated solution than CleverMade and a lot more engineering went into its development. We recommend our users to update the browser. I don't know that there's going to be one right solution, so maybe having an array of solutions is really the answer here, said Akaka. 2022 Forbes Media LLC. You will also receive an alert via the app on your phone once your package is delivered. The bill was laid over for lawmakers to discuss possible amendments and then take action another day. The selling point of this device is the 100-decibel alarm that goes off once your device is moved. Read on to find out what products and services will help you keep a virtual "eye" on your holiday packages, no matter where you are.. If this is the case, a tried-and-true floodlamp with a motion sensor will not only illuminate the areas captured on camera (offering a better look at anyone approaching your doorstep), but also make them visible to passersby. A few that stand out include the Nest Hello Video Doorbell, which can detect familiar faces; the Eufy Pro Cam 2K, which stores your footage on a local hard drive so you dont have to pay for a cloud subscription, and the Arlo Video Doorbell, which has a number of smart AI-powered features to make sure nothing goes unnoticed. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission. However, what if you could have your own personal dropoff locker? She is a board member of the Louisville chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Consumer Reports recommends the the $180 Eufy light, which stores recordings locally on the camera itself. Instead of monitoring traditional outdoor deliveries with outdoor cameras, the Amazon Key service allows Amazon to deliver packagesinsideyour home. To get the most out of these connected camera products, you will usually need to buy a monthly cloud subscription, too. Did you know that if you buy something on Amazon, you can have it shipped to a secured locker that unlocks with a password supplied to you by Amazon?
If a would-be porch pirate attempts to steal the package or the Package Guard device itself, a loud internal siren will be activated. So, what strategies can you employ to defeat this neighborhood menace? So, we don't even have really good data on how prevalent this problem is, Valdez said. Here are 10 ways to refresh a tired porch. Then, schedule a time from 6 pm to midnight (when youre home to receive it) to have your package delivered to your door by one of Doormans drivers. A recent study revealed that homes without them are 300 times more likely to be vandalized.
He told me they attempted to open a dozen of their boxes and could not replicate what we demonstrated. Every product is independently selected by our editors. PMC Entertainment, This includes connected home security products, such as, The Best Places to Buy College Apparel Make Showing College Pride Too Easy, My Cat Finally Stopped Vomiting After Every Meal Using One of These 10 Cat Food Puzzles, What to Watch in August: The 19 Best New Streaming Releases on HBO Max, Paramount+, Disney+ and Netflix, The 16 Best Coolers for Keeping Drinks and Food Cold No Matter the Location.
Before that, she wrote for NBC's Dvice.com (now SyFy).
Watch the video that shows four different methods of attack; all simply, quickly, and easily executed without damage or evidence of entry. It may not be as convenient as having your package delivered to your home, but its pretty quick and easy to pop into a 7-11, enter a password at the locker terminal, and walk out with your undisturbed goods. Its a great option if you can get delivery people to use it, but that can vary. Its easy to install, with no complex or intimidating wiring, and they are affordable.
The survey ranked Denver as number one for the most porch pirate thefts in 2021, knocking San Francisco out of the top position after a three-year streak. You can often request a delivery confirmation, too.
Package Guard is a Device You Will Appreciate if You Receive Packages Regularly. The boxes were designed, developed and are being sold by CleverMade at Costco, Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, and others. The 22 Best Backpacks for College Students in 2022, Stop Package Thieves Once and for All With One of These Doorbell Video Cameras. There are real solutions, but consumers should be knowledgeable about those that properly address the problem. Seim says big companies like Amazon have done a good job with their customer service by replacing packages that go missing. These steel containers weigh about thirty-five pounds and can be accessed with an electronic keypad (with a four-digit code), or as an alternative, a bypass key. These package thieves have become quite skilled at swiping your goods while going unnoticed. It allows you to set the limited number and identity of people that can access the package without sounding the alarm. Colorado lawmakers have tried and failed in previous legislative sessions to crack down on porch piracy. TheBlankBox is an effective way to deter someone from stealing from you, plus, it makes for some entertaining video! Are you desperately looking to protect your next valuable package from the porch pirates? There are many such products on the market.
Another approach: an electronic padlock with bar code scanner.
In cases where somebody is caught stealing a package, there should be law enforcement activity, but at the same time we want to prevent that altogether, Valdez said. The lock is also associated with an App that allows an unlock code to be sent directly by the customer to the padlock. A Consumer Reports tester said many deliveries ended up left on the porch next to the box.
When choosing your shipping options during the checkout process, Amazon will tell you if your package can be delivered to a locker, and provide a list of locations for you to choose from.
Buy Now. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
If you want to kill two birds with one stone, there are lights that are integrated with home security cameras from brands such as Eufy, Arlo and Ring, some of which will also sound an alarm to ward off porch pirates.