The holidays are here again — which means an overwhelming influx of packages. Whether your deliveries are meant to stock the shelves or stuff the stockings, it should come as no surprise that the holiday season represents the year’s peak for porch piracy in the United States. The security experts at PEAK Alarm are here to help homeowners and businesses learn how to prevent package theft.
How to Prevent Package Theft in 5 Simple Steps
If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you want to know how to prevent package theft more reliably than you have in previous years — and you’ve come to the right place. As the Mountain West’s leading authority on all things security, PEAK Alarm knows firsthand what it takes to keep your valuables safe.
Below are five dependable ways to send porch pirates away empty-handed.
1. Install Front-Door Surveillance Measures
There are two basic ways to approach this first security strategy: the DIY method, which typically involves a self-installed doorbell camera, and the professional solution, which uses more advanced tools. Though DIY doorbell cams are certainly better than nothing, their effectiveness is limited in most situations. If package theft is a serious concern, you’ll want a more substantial form of protection.
The professional version of front-door surveillance typically involves a strategically placed security camera (perhaps even another kind of doorbell camera) that covers the entire outdoor entryway. More advanced systems include motion-activated lighting and analytics to distinguish between human, vehicle, and animal activity. Plus, unlike DIY methods, these cameras can be professionally monitored by dispatchers to ensure swift response to any attempted crimes.
2. Smart Lock Access Control Systems
Integrating smart locks with your security system can be a game-changer for package delivery. Digitally controlled locks allow you to grant temporary access codes to delivery personnel when you’ve got a big shipment coming. This way, your packages can be dropped off safely behind a garage or storeroom door. With your cameras in place, you’ll always know who’s coming and going from your drop-off point.
3. Leverage Professional Monitoring
Though you can have some peace of mind with a self-monitored system, professional monitoring offers around-the-clock confidence that DIY techniques just can’t provide. At PEAK Alarm, all of our professionally installed systems are monitored 24/7 by seasoned dispatchers at our in-house monitoring station. You can work, sleep, or travel knowing that the experts are still keeping watch even when you’re unavailable.
4. Light Up the Entryway
We touched earlier on the idea of motion-activated lighting as a means of deterring package theft. In general, thieves are looking for easy targets — many instances of porch piracy are simply opportunistic crimes. The more difficult you can make it look, the better. Ample lighting removes the cover of darkness that many thieves rely on for anonymity. Lights triggered by motion can give the impression of being seen, which is enough to send most intruders running.
5. Secure All Your Entry Points
While front porches typically see the most attention during the holidays, some thieves may opt to target side doors and back entrances, especially if they have some level of familiarity with the premises. To protect your property and deliveries from all possible angles, apply the same preventative measures around other applicable points of entry. When it comes to security, a comprehensive solution is always better than a bare-bones approach.
Find Peace of Mind for Your Packages
Learning how to prevent package theft is a vital part of holiday preparations, and it’s best to start sooner rather than later. Want to take the professional approach your deliveries deserve? PEAK Alarm offers personalized security systems for both homes and businesses, each fine-tuned to the needs of that location.
Get in touch today to have one of our security experts evaluate your property for risks. We’ll design the perfect system to protect you through the season.
Protect what matters most to you. Contact PEAK Alarm today.
