Porch pirates aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re getting smarter. Money expert Clark Howard says thieves are “getting more and more clever,” and while many people now have doorbell cameras, “perpetrators are wearing masks, ski caps, wide-brim hats, big sunglasses, whatever, so that you don’t have a positive ID of who’s stealing.”
With online shopping hitting its peak every November, Clark warns that “criminals follow Amazon trucks, FedEx trucks, [and] UPS trucks as they make their rounds. They see a package delivered. They see no sign of life at a house — bam — they’re up on that front porch, they got that package and it is gone.”
Why You Should Consider Lockers for Important Deliveries
Clark understands that it’s not realistic for everyone to change how they get every package. But when it comes to things you truly can’t afford to lose — like expensive gifts, electronics, or time-sensitive items — he says it’s worth thinking ahead.
“It’s a pain,” Clark says about when a package disappears. “Now you’ve got to contact whoever the company was you got it from. You’ve got to tell them the package was stolen. You’ve got to hope that they believe you. And then you’ve got to wait for the new item. Hopefully it’s not sold out. It’s a lot.”
His favorite solution? Lockers.
“I know that a lot of people find it to be a royal pain, but I love the Amazon lockers when you’re ordering from Amazon,” Clark says. “If you’re not in a secure place where your packages are delivered, then why do you want all the hassle?”
How To Use Secure Delivery Options
Sending packages to lockers or pickup points can dramatically cut the risk of theft, especially during the busy holiday delivery season. Clark also recommends signing up for package notifications: “UPS, FedEx, you got their registration programs… because a lot of times when a package is delivered… if you’ve not registered for notifications, you don’t even know that the package has come.”
If you work from home and can meet deliveries right away, that’s another good strategy. “Amazon’s really good about saying, you know, there’s six houses away or whatever,” Clark notes. “You’re there to get the package when it comes.”
Don’t Overcomplicate It
Not everyone needs to switch to lockers full-time. Clark’s goal is simple: just be smart about your most important deliveries.
“Doing something that’s a secure point of delivery is better,” he says. “Think through how you can make it more secure.”
And even if you stick with home delivery, having visible security measures helps. Clark points out that “having obvious security cameras and maybe a sign does deter a lot.”
Final Thought
You don’t have to change your entire delivery routine, but when it comes to the things you can’t afford to lose, send them somewhere safe. A few extra clicks to choose a locker or pickup point could save you a lot of time, stress, and money.
