Theft. It is the last thing you want to be thinking about on a luxury vacation. Unfortunately, without the right precautions you can set yourself up as a target for package theft. Shockingly, cities such as Seattle, San Francisco and Washington D.C. are hotspots for package theft, according to a report from Shorr Packaging Corp. And data reported by USA Today cites that 30 percent of Americans have had a package stolen or know someone who has had a package stolen.
Luckily, there are precautions you can take to keep your deliveries out of the hands of would-be thieves. Here are a few ways to keep your packages and deliveries to your doorstep safe while you are away. Now you can focus on taking in an island sunset from a beautiful beachfront shoreline or cozy up to the fireplace in a charming mountain cabin without worry.
Package Tracking
Technology today has given us access to almost everything. This includes deliveries and shipping status, too. Retailers and shipping companies alike have employed this innovative technology to consumers benefit. Now all that we have to do is use it. Tracking packages and deliveries is simple. From email notifications and tracking status updates via apps, there are a number of ways to check in on your packages. And, you can even re-route or reschedule package deliveries with ease online. This way no valuable package is left on your entryway doorstep.
Home Security
There are a number of good reasons to consider adding a security system to your home. Not only can a security monitoring system keep your family and your home safe, it can deter would-be package thieves or burglars from making your home a target. In fact, homes that have no security system installed are 300 percent more likely to be burglarized than homes with security monitoring cameras in place, according to crime data from the FBI. Keep your home and the packages delivered there safe with the addition of a home security system. Today’s systems are more advanced, and more sleek and stylish than ever before. Models come equipped with savvy features like night vision and video. Plus, many popular security monitoring systems can be controlled directly from your smartphone. So you can keep an eye on your porch and home no matter where your travels take you.
Parcel Boxes
In addition to package delivery monitoring and home surveillance, the addition of parcel boxes can play a big role in keeping your deliveries secure. Adding a parcel box to your doorstep is one of the most effective ways to keep your valuable packages from ending up stolen. These lockable boxes are available in a range of styles that offer no shortage of curb appeal. And many styles have advanced locking systems, such as a three-point lock system with two keys, and are made out of tough theft-proof materials like cast aluminum and galvanized steel.
From installing parcel boxes and home security systems to package tracking, make sure that you take precautions to keep your deliveries safe while you are away. Theft is the last thing that you want to be thinking about on vacation.
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Tabitha Bradley-Raines
If we are traveling, even if it just for a day, we let someone that we trust know. This way, someone can check our mail (especially if we are expecting something important) and that way that trusted person can check in on our house as well. You never know when someone could be scouting your house. It helps to create relationships with your neighbors as well.
Carmen Edelson
You’re right – you really never know!
Doreen Pendgracs
Yes, with more and more people shopping online, we are all having more parcel deliveries to our homes. Thanks for the great tips on how we can better protect our deliveries from theft at the door.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates of Puerto Vallarta
Carmen Edelson
You’re very welcome, Doreen! Happy to share.
Stephanie
Good suggestions! Since moving, I haven’t stopped having my packages go to my parents’ house. It gives me peace of mind since I’m at a townhouse and I just don’t trust my nice items sitting outdoors all day!
Carmen Edelson
I don’t blame you, Stephanie! I feel the same way.
Carrie Ann
These are some excellent tips on preventing your packages from being stolen! We installed a security system last year including cameras, and it gives us peace of mind that anyone coming near the house will be recorded. A parcel box is a great idea, too. If packages are locked up, it removes the temptation that thieves must feel when they see unattended packages.
Carmen Edelson
That’s good, Carrie Ann! We have a good security system too.
Beth
It stinks that you have to worry about things like this, but these are good tips. Thanks for looking out for us!
Carmen Edelson
I feel the same way, Beth! And you’re very welcome 🙂
Rachel
These are great tips! Packing tracking is the best! I love being able to check in on deliveries and know when things are coming to prepare. Especially when things take longer to ship and arrive while I’m on vacation (so I can have a find swing by to pick it up)!
Rachel recently posted…Our Engagement Story + A Wedding Planning Update
Carmen Edelson
I love being able to track too!
Beth
These all sound like good deterrents to package theft, even if you aren’t on vacation!
Carmen Edelson
Yes absolutely 🙂
Alyssa Avant
Well this is interesting. Def. something I have never even thought about!
Carmen Edelson
Thank you so much for reading, Alyssa!
Alex Pandora
Carmen Thank you for uploading this, now i can leave my home with no worries, your simple but ingenious tips are of great handy.
Carmen Edelson
So glad you found these tips helpful, Alex!