GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. - Buying something online has one important distinction from buying something in the store - the waiting period.
After you buy your item and fill out your information, you have to wait at least a day to get your purchase. Depending on when your package is delivered, there is a window of time where your bought item is susceptible to 'porch pirates.'
November 28 is National Package Protection Day, and we're talking about package theft.
Package theft is a huge problem, especially around the holidays. If your last-minute, rare-find or sale-priced gift is stolen right from your doorstep, you aren't left with many options.
So here are 11 tips for protecting your packages from porch pirates this holiday season.
1. Consider a signature upon delivery
You can require your delivery person to get a signature from you (or another approved person) before dropping off a package. But, you might not be home to sign for it when it arrives. If this happens, your package will end up at the delivery service's retail location, or maybe even returned to sender.
2. Install security cameras
This option is expensive for many people who don't already have security systems installed. However, if you've noticed your packages being stolen frequently, it's probably a good investment to make. Many home security systems are on sale this holiday season!
3. Get to know your delivery person
They're people too. And hard-working ones at that! A little common decency goes a long way.
4. Let neighbors know you're expecting one
This tactic works best in a suburb or apartment complex, or places where your neighbors are in eyesight of your porch. You can ask your neighbors to grab the package if it arrives before you're home, or simply to keep an eye on your porch through their window.
5. Have your package shipped to work
Some workplaces may not allow you to receive personal packages, so make sure you check company policy. If this is an option for you, it doesn't hurt to be friendly with your front desk person.
6. Set up a package locker
During the holiday season, you can send packages to a rented locker. Amazon offers Amazon Locker, or try a delivery service like UPS or USPS. Some locations offer personal mailboxes to rent for months at a time.
7. Specify delivery instructions
In some situations, you can add comments for your delivery person during the ordering process. Here you can ask the delivery person to bring your package around to the backyard, or perhaps allow them to place it inside your front door or garage.
8. Buy a lockbox mailbox for porch
A lockbox mailbox is exactly as it sounds. It is a larger, safe-like box with either a keyhole or code protecting what's inside. This option can be expensive as well, depending on how large you need the lockbox to be. A box like this would sit near your front door, and your delivery person would need access to a key or the code.
9. Install a 'smart' doorbell
Another expensive option is a smart doorbell. It's smart because it has a camera - one that you can access from an app on your phone. You'd be able to see exactly when your package is delivered, but you'd also be able to tell from motion-sensors if someone is messing with your package.
10. Pick up packages in person at UPS, Post Office, etc.
This option is different from a rented personal mailbox, because you can do it on a package-by-package basis. Set your package to be picked up at your local delivery service by using their address. Make sure to call ahead and confirm that you'll be able to pick up your package there. Some places may charge a pick-up fee if you aren't renting a mailbox.
11. Shop in store
We couldn't resist a smart-alec option. The best way to avoid your items being stolen from your porch is to buy the item in a store! That way, it won't sit alone on your porch.
If your packages are stolen this holiday season, contact the seller for a refund and your local police department.
You can also file a claim with a delivery service, but unless a mistake was made in transit or insurance was purchased for the item, the responsibility of the delivery service usually ends with a successful delivery.