GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As 75-percent of Americans are expected to do at least some holiday shopping online this year, porch piracy is commandeering more attention than in years passed.
Leaving packages unattended on your front stoop could be an invitation for some people to help themselves to an early Christmas present. Susan Bach of the Better Business Bureau recommends taking steps to avoid sending that message.
“If you’re not home, ask a neighbor or family member to pick them up off your front porch. Just don’t leave them out there all day if possible,” Bach said. “The post office, UPS, FedEx – they all have services where they can notify you once the package is delivered. So definitely take advantage of those.”
If it’s a higher-value item, you should make sure to require a signature confirmation upon delivery. That would ensure you’re the one getting the package – or that there’s some kind of chain-of-custody for where it might’ve ended up.
If you’re not at home 24/7, there are workarounds for that as well.
“See if you can have it delivered to your employer. That’s a great option for people who aren’t home during the day. But if that’s not a possibility, then schedule it for pick up at the carrier’s office, like the post office,” Bach told WTAQ News.
Front porch surveillance cameras or doorbell cameras are also good options that may deter potential pirates from taking your packages.
“People have cute little signs next to them saying things like ‘smile for the camera’ or something, and I think those are great deterrent,” Bach said.
If the shipment tracker says your package was delivered, but it’s not where it should be – there are ways to figure out when it was dropped off and where it was left.
“Immediately reach out to the delivery company and see if they can help you track it, or to the retailer,” Bach said.
To avoid having your deliveries derailed, or even those intended for your neighbors, Bach says to keep your eyes open. If you see something, say something.
“A lot of these porch pirates follow delivery trucks. So if you see something like that, or if you see the same car driving up and down your street like they’re casing your neighborhood, notify the police and see if they can catch them in the act,” Bach said. “Because chances are it’s not just your street or your house, it’s an entire neighborhood or worse.”
For more information, tips, and tricks – head to BBB.org.
