HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's the busiest time of the year for shipping companies, and there's a good chance some of those packages are heading for your doorstep. What can you do to make sure they actually get to you?
Experts have a list of tips to help you thwart porch pirates now and throughout the year:
- Use package tracking, keep and eye on it, and retrieve the package as soon as possible once it's been delivered, or ask someone you trust to pick it up for you.
- Get your packages delivered to a pickup location, like Amazon Lockers, Amazon Counters, or UPS Access Points.
- Provide a shipping address where someone will be home.
- Leave instructions on where to leave the package.
- Opt for signature-required deliveries to ensure the package isn’t left unattended.
- Choose specific delivery times when you are likely to be home.
- Set up a vacation hold: Contact delivery services, like USPS, UPS, or FedEx, to temporarily hold your packages while you’re out of town. They will deliver them after your return.
- Install a video doorbell.
What if your package is missing?
ADT has some tips on what to do if your packages aren't where you expect them to be.
- Make sure it was actually delivered using tracking information.
- Check around your property for packages and ask your neighbors if they have them.
- Contact the sender to see what remedies they offer for stolen packages. If it was a friend or family member, confirm they had the correct address.
- Contact the shipping company to report a stolen package and follow their process for filing a report.
- Contact local law enforcement. If there are multiple thefts in a certain area, they may step up patrols. While what they are able to do varies by jurisdiction, a police report can be useful if you plan to file any type of insurance claim.