Protecting Your Deliveries: A Case Study from a Safe House

Have you ever had a delivery stolen from your front porch or driveway? Even with pets and surveillance, the risk of theft can still occur. In this case study, we'll explore the experiences of a secure household and the measures they took to prevent delivery theft.

Thief Attempts on a Pet-Friendly Home

Yes, theft from a porch is not a common occurrence, but it does happen. Living in a house with two 80 pound dogs, a security webcam installed on the porch, and careful supervision, this household still experienced an attempt. During the Christmas season, an individual managed to steal a package and was unable to keep its contents, as it turned out to be a blow-up doll - a gag gift intended for a friend, who instead got a good laugh out of the situation.

Police Intervention and Unexpected Finds

However, it's not just one-time incidents. A few doors down, another homeowner faced a similar issue when the police were alerted to a stolen package. The package, bearing the address label of the homeowner, was found with a homeless individual. This experience highlighted the vulnerability of porch deliveries, especially in areas where mail and packages can be easily accessed.

Recurrent Porch Theft Incidents

The thefts have not ceased, with three incidents occurring over a five-year period. The first incident involved a 5-pound bag of flavored coffee, the second another bag, and the third a .22 magnum cylinder and a gun belt for a .22 pistol. In the instance of the gun parts, the sender opted to have the package delivered to a UPS store for pickup, thus removing the risk of porch theft.

Perimeter Security Measures

Despite the presence of two large dogs and a chain-link-fenced yard, porch theft is still a concern. The noisy dogs, sign warning of a dog, and the fenced yard act as deterrents, but they are not foolproof. Monitoring deliveries closely and retrieving them quickly helps mitigate the risks.

Choosing the Right Courier

A ultimate lesson learned in this case study is the importance of choosing the right courier and understanding their delivery practices. An issue arose with a certain UK courier who, in 2016, modified their "UK Home Delivery" service to leave packages outside the home without ringing the doorbell. This method led to increased theft risks. As a result, the homeowner installed an intercom system, ensuring that couriers and postal services could alert them when a package was delivered to their door.

Conclusion

Staying vigilant and taking proactive measures are essential for protecting your deliveries. With the right security measures and couriers, you can significantly reduce the risk of theft. By learning from these experiences, others can take steps to ensure their packages remain safe from opportunistic thieves.