5 Safety Tips To Protect From “Porch Pirates”
Porch pirates aren’t just a danger during the holidays. An increase in online ordering has made it so that many homeowners need to worry about porch pirates all year long. Porch pirates often know who in the neighborhood frequently makes online purchases and they know neighborhoods well enough to know when to strike. Protecting yourself from these individuals requires some diligence.
Keep Your Porch Brightly Lit
Thieves are generally looking for the best, easiest opportunity. They aren’t going to want to call attention to themselves. If you keep your porch brightly lit during the night, most thieves aren’t going to have the courage to walk up to it. During the day, make sure that there isn’t much to obscure your porch (such as overgrown bushes), as this could embolden them.
You can also install motion detector lights. These lights will only turn on when someone walks up to them. Not only does this have the advantage of reducing your overall energy costs, but it will also startle anyone walking up. Lights are available as either remote, battery-powered options or wired options, with wired options being a little more difficult to install.
Invest in a “Smart” Security System
Many thieves have been caught by new, smart security systems, such as smart doorbells. These systems are able to awaken if someone approaches your home and take pictures of anyone who isn’t recognized through facial recognition. These smart systems can also alert you on your phone when someone is on your porch and can let you talk to them on an intercom. There’s no easier way to both identify and scare away a would-be thief.
Smart security systems can also be integrated into monitored services, so your monitored system can alert you in the event that a thief is on your property.
Ask the Delivery Service to Hide Your Packages
Most delivery services take requests. Find a place where your packages can be hidden (such as behind a column) and ask your delivery service to hide your packages in that specific area. As long as your packages aren’t visible from the road, they will usually be fairly safe. Many thieves drive around neighborhoods looking for easily spotted packages as a crime of opportunity.
Track Your Packages in Real Time
Tracking your packages will let you know exactly when they’re being delivered, which can help you minimize the time that they’re spending outside. If you see that your package is being delivered in the morning and will spend all day outside, you may want to ask your neighbor or a friend or family member to pick it up. Likewise, if you can track your packages, you’ll know whether your item should have already arrived.
Make Your Cameras Visible
A visible camera serves as a deterrent to all but the boldest criminals. In addition to having outside cameras, make sure that the cameras are very visible to anyone who is either approaching your home or standing on your porch. You may also want to install signs that depict which security system you use as well as signs that notify anyone reading them that the property is secured and being watched. Motion detecting cameras will turn on in response to someone walking up to them, which may be able to startle a criminal away.
The right security system can help deter porch pirates while also catching them in the act if they do attempt a theft. With the right combination of lighting and cameras, you can protect yourself, your family, and your purchases. For more information about the best in security, contact Eagle Eye Security Inc.
