by Irene Hammerling
Porch pirates’ prey on unattended packages and deliveries. A 2019 survey conducted for FedEx found one in four Canadians has had a package swiped. In Alberta, the number is even higher at one in three. The pandemic exacerbated the situation, as more Albertans than ever are shopping online and receiving deliveries. But you can stop thieves in their tracks. Take these extra steps to protect your parcels:
• If you are not home, ask a neighbour, a friend or family member to drop by and receive it for you.
• Video doorbells let you see, hear, and speak to visitors at your door through an app, whether you are at home or away.
• Some smart home locks let you lock and unlock doors with your phone, and feature apps that log who comes and goes based on personalized codes. Others feature keyless touchpads or will automatically lock/unlock when you (and your phone) move outside a predefined perimeter.
• Install a porch safe or a secure lock box.
• Opt for a “Ship to Store” or Canada Post Office pickup.
• Require signature on delivery or have the package delivered to your workplace.
• Ask that the package be left out of plain view. It can be good to establish a delivery spot that is obscured from view by other objects or landscaping.
There are a variety of commercial products available to help safeguard your packages and deliveries, including lockable delivery boxes and smart doorbells with built-in cameras. Amazon, Canada Post, and some other companies offer 24-hour electronic smart lockers, usually in multi-residential buildings or retail stores, where you can have your purchases securely stored until you are ready to pick them up. Many home security companies also provide their customers with signs to place on the front yard.
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