Securing Your Packages on the Porch: Effective Strategies and Tips

Hiding packages on a porch can help prevent theft and unwanted attention. Whether you're dealing with a shared or public porch, there are several effective strategies you can employ to keep your deliveries safe and secure.

Strategies for Hiding Packages on a Porch

Here are some methods you can use to hide packages on your porch and protect them from potential thieves:

1. Decoy Boxes

One of the simplest methods is to use an old or unmarked box as a decoy. Place your delivered items inside this box, making it look less appealing to unwanted attention. This technique ensures that even if someone spots the package, it's unlikely to look valuable enough to steal.

2. Planters and Decorations

Utilize large planters or decorative items strategically. Packages can be concealed inside or behind these items, effectively camouflaging them from view. Choose items that provide a natural hiding spot, such as pots of plants or ornamental decorations, to make the packages blend in with the surroundings.

3. Under Furniture

Outdoor furniture like tables and chairs can be used as hiding spots. Consider hiding packages under them where they are not easily visible. For added security, cover the packages with leaves, mulch, or any other natural materials to make them even more difficult to spot.

4. Secure Package Delivery Box

Investing in a secure package delivery box that can be locked is a more permanent solution. This method provides added security by keeping packages out of sight and ensuring that only you have access to them. Many such boxes are available on the market, designed to accommodate various sizes of packages.

5. Smart Package Lockers

Some delivery services offer lockers that can be installed on your property. Packages are delivered directly to these lockers, which can only be accessed by you. This not only hides the packages from view but also provides a secure, tamper-proof location for them.

6. Strategic Placement

Consider having packages delivered to a side porch or backyard entrance instead of the main entrance. If you have a side porch or a hidden entrance, this can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Ensure that any information regarding alternative delivery locations is prominently displayed to avoid delays or missed deliveries.

7. Use a Security Camera

While a security camera won't hide packages, it can deter potential thieves and provide evidence if a theft occurs. Installing a camera in strategically placed areas of your property can help monitor deliveries and reduce the risk of damage or theft.

8. Schedule Deliveries

If possible, schedule deliveries when you are home. This minimizes the time packages spend on your porch and reduces the risk of theft. If you are frequently home during specific times, you can work with delivery services to arrange for deliveries during those hours.

For those who live in porches without enclosed walls or half-walls, the only real way to hide packages is to cover them with a tarp or a similar item. However, this is not a reliable security measure as determined individuals can still find a way to reach your packages.

Customized Instructions for Effective Hiding

While physical hiding methods are effective, sometimes customized instructions can help further secure your deliveries. Leave a detailed note by your secured entry point, such as:

Please place packages on top of the cafe table inside the fenced area by reaching over the gate. Thor has access through his dog door and will greet you when he hears you approach.
Although he can easily reach the table and fence top, everything except the 50 lb. of frozen Buffalo meat, his favorite, should be safe if hidden under that styrofoam rock pile left on the table for that purpose.
If the meat has already started to thaw by the time of your delivery, is there any chance you could drop it off on your next following trip by. You may recall the frenzy he was thrown into the last time it had started approaching his preferred temp.
That poor delivery guy forgot the “over the gate” part of the instructions and entered through the gate! Has he been able to return to work yet?

Anyhow, I’ll be home early today and home all day tomorrow. Thanks, Cruncher!

This kind of detailed note can help ensure that packages are placed in a secure and hidden location, reducing the risk of theft or damage.

By combining these methods, you can enhance the security of your deliveries and significantly reduce the risk of theft, making your porch a safer place for your packages.