Can you stop delivery theft? | Good, Better, Best scenario

 I know that it's a tough pill to swallow. You order something you want online, you make sure to select 'front door' delivery; you wait a couple days, and then you get the notification that the package has been delivered. But, when you get home, the box is nowhere to be found. What the heck?! What happened to my package? Did someone walk past and steal my package? Did the delivery person steal it?

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

One of the best things you can do is to take the time to assess your house's setup and consider getting something to help you receive the packages. The pandemic has shown us how easy online ordering is. We can get anything we want delivered to our houses. That's awesome. But, that also comes with 

Responsibility. Your property is yours and your responsibility. Amazon, FedEx, DHL, and UPS deliver to your house. They don't have a special box dedicated to parcels like the USPS does.  No third party can deliver to this dedicated USPS mailbox. They are backed by policies and federal regulations. It's actually against the law to deliver anything other than mail to a mailbox. Something to consider when waiting for a package that is being delivered by any of the above-mentioned third party delivery services. 

Photo by Mathyas Kurmann on Unsplash

To tell you the truth, it's not who you think it is that steals your package. Half the time, it's someone walking by your house/apartment who sees a crime of opportunity. They may even drive by and notice that your house frequently gets packages. Maybe it's your neighbor. I find that most thefts occur by people who live near you.
 
Now, you think, 'that's not right, I think my delivery driver stole it.' 
The chances of that happening are slim. Not to say that doesn't happen, because that would be silly to say that would never happen. Delivery companies follow that very closely, and the drivers work for them. There are heavy penalties for stealing packages from customers. Photo by Andre Ouellet on Unsplash

So, what do you do to make sure that you successfully get your packages? 
I've noticed that people just assume that their package will be delivered to their front door, garage, or side door, and everything is hunky-dory. Well, it probably will be just fine for most. I find places at houses to hide packages in an area close to the front door if they have them. 
The best hiding place for a bagged item is between the screen and front doors. But, that's not always the case. Every house is different.
Here are some suggestions on how to prevent package theft at your home:

1. Delivery Box for Porch with Lockable Secure Storage

This is the best box that I've seen on my routes. It's simple for the driver to use, and the customer gets their packages. Nobody walking by will see the boxes, so the crime of opportunity is narrowed down to almost zero. Any delivery service can use it, and your packages are secure. What I love most about this is the following: 

 Parcel Box ensures that your deliveries are safe even when not home. No longer worry about coming home to missing or damaged deliveries. The intuitive design and “Packages” markings clarify that packages can be deposited in the box to mail carriers.

Exterior: 20. 9 in. W x 24. 4 in. D x 44 in. H

1. It's made out of all weather-resistant resin to protect deliveries from the elements

2. Ensures that packages can be placed in the box without access to the storage compartment and only the owner can retrieve packages when using a lock.

3. Spacious interior accommodates several combinations of the most popular delivery packages

4. Add weight to the bottom hidden chamber or use the included screws to anchor it into the ground for ultimate security

2. Elephantrunk Parcel Drop Box Black

What I like most about this option is the security it provides. This is best used at a condo complex where the garage faces the road and the front door faces the other way. You may have 3rd party deliveries to the garage where your packages are waiting until you get home. With this box, you can install this to the side of your garage, and the driver can pop the package into the container, and now you know the package is secure till you get home.

1. Rotating drum design accepts multiple parcels as large as 11.5 x 7.3 x 9.3

2. Retrieve parcels behind access door equipped with pry-resistant 3-point locking mechanism complete with two keys

3. Fully powder-coated cast aluminum and galvanized steel construction for durability and long life

4. Stainless steel door hinges

5. Adjustable leveling feet for desired height

3. Large Lockable Package Delivery and Storage Box

What I like about this box is the simplicity of it. It's not so simple that people can just walk up to it and take what's inside. It's so unassuming that nobody will care what's inside of it. Most people will see this and assume it's storage for the front porch. 

1. BoxGuard prevents porch theft with the option to lock (lock not included). Keep deliveries private, hidden and protected

2. Bold “Deliveries” sign clearly communicates to the mail carriers the purpose of the product. Hinge can hold the lid open without assistance. Designate your package box as your preferred delivery location to mail delivery companies (optional)

3. BoxGuard protects packages from thieves, weather, stray animals, and curious neighbors

4. Large package dropbox with the interior volume of 6. 3 cubic ft (18” W x 19. 5” D x 31” H) Holds multiple large packages for shipments, mail, food, laundry, or other standard deliveries.

4. Package Delivery Sign for Outside, Home Box

I know this seems less than ideal. Putting a clear sign on the box seems backward. But you'll be surprised by how many drivers see that you have a dropbox and don't utilize it. With the sign clear as day, there won't be any question about why the package wasn't deposited in the dropbox.

1. Compared to other similar signs that fade quickly in the sunlight, our Place Packages Here character will not fade or warp; it still stays in place and looks lovely even in high humidity and torrential rain

2. The Please Deliver Packages Here sign measures 7" x 9.8", is easy to install with pre-drilled holes, Mount with screws or wires. Sign attachment accessories are not included

3. Ideal for both home & outside use and for professional businesses, easy to read

4. The unique design, high-quality printing, and bright color contrasts will catch the eye of anyone coming close to your office or residence.

Another good thing to asses is your postal address on your house or condo. I know this seems silly but consider who is delivering your package. For the most part, all mailboxes have the address posted on it. So, then why do I need to post my address on my house? well, for one, not everyone puts their address on their mailbox. Two, the mailbox is for the USPS only. It's good that your putting the address on for them but keep in mind, that third party deliveries' are not delivered to the mailbox. Packages are delivered to the front door or equivalent spot. Most driver don't look at the mailbox. They look at the house numbers posted on the house. So, get your house numbers posted in plain sight that is visible from the road. 

Now, I'm sure your thinking. "wait, that's not fair. I should be able to have privacy from everyone around me?" 

Well, no one is saying your not aloud to have privacy. You're delaying your own delivery to your own house. Most third party delivery drivers are instructed to verify if the house they're delivering to is the accurate house/condo/apartment. If they can't, then they're instructed to bring the package back where it can be verified.

So why is all this necessary. I can tell you from experience that people are losing packages that could have been prevented. You can't expect a delivery driver to hide your packages for you. I know that's frustrating to hear, but that's the truth. Some houses and yards are built where the box can be hidden simply. Some homes don't have a simple cover. Some places are just wide open, and everyone can see that you are receiving something in the mail or a third party like FedEx. 

Do what you can to protect your packages. Have a good hiding spot, or get a box to store them in until you can collect them. 

Written by Aaron O. 
A FedEx delivery driver based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. 
"Don't let what you don't know ruin what you do know" -Unknown.