How to Prevent Package Theft

How to Prevent Package Theft

If your packages keep getting stolen or lost, it is time to take some preventive measures to deter package theft. Here are the top 7 ways proven useful by homeowners to secure package delivery.

If you have a package stolen the first step is to report it to the Harrison Police at 973-483-4100. It is never an inconvenience for the Harrison Police to take a report. A police report is required by some companies before they will replace the stolen item. Additionally it helps us track the locations where the thefts are occurring and enables us to focus our patrol efforts in those areas to deter theft and possibly arrest those responsible.  

1. Use Smart Package Lockers or Convenience Stores

To avoid your Amazon package being stolen, use Amazon Locker. Amazon allows you to pick up your delivery in Amazon Locker in selected locations across the country with a unique code, which you can punch into the machine to retrieve your package. 

Amazon locker will be the safest and convenient place to secure your Amazon package.

If your community doesn't have an Amazon Locker, and you are a frequent online shopper, using the UPS Store is another viable option. You may also check the availability of lockers in nearby convenience stores, Kiosks or buy your own digital locker like BoxLock to prevent package theft or share a locker with your neighbors or friends. Listed below are three local package hub locations.

1. In Harrison our nearest Amazon Locker Hub is located at Arlington Pharmacy 434 Kearny Ave, Kearny NJ.
2. Our Nearest UPS Hub is located at Pharmacy Plus, 236 Harrison Avenue, Harrison NJ.
3. Our nearest FedEx Hub is located at Walgreen’s Pharmacy 432 Bergen Street, Harrison NJ.

2. Install Security Cameras to Prevent Package Theft.

A security camera will serve as a great deterrent for criminals and it helps to prevent package theft, especially a visible HD security camera. A single security camera pointing at your front door, hallway or driveway is better than no camera at all.

Doorbell security cameras help you to remotely view your front porch when you are not home. Homeowners will receive a notification to their phone when the doorbell is pressed or there is motion on the porch.

Cameras may act as a deterrent to package thieves and will assist in the possible identification and prosecution of those responsible for package thefts. 

When selecting a camera for your home, here are a few features to consider. Buy security cameras that are at least 1440p. Optical zoom and high-resolution surveillance cameras allow the user to zoom in on the video without distortion which is crucial to the identification process.

3. Have Packages Delivered to Your Workplace or Office.

One of the best ways to stop package theft in the first place, is to have your package delivered to your office or friends' houses that you trust.

4. Require Signature on Delivery to Stop Package Theft.

To prevent your package being stolen off the front porch, side door, back porch, or garage area, ask for signature delivery.

If your package is delivered by UPS/DHL/FedEx, consult your sender and require delivery confirmation signature.

Signature-required delivery should be strictly followed by couriers. Did you know? If your package that demands delivery by YOUR signature was left unattended, or even worse, lost, because they didn't follow the protocol, delivery companies are liable to legal actions and you are entitled to a full refund or replacement.

5. Reroute or Reschedule Delivery to Prevent Package Theft.

If you are not sure whether or not you are home from vacation to receive your package when the delivery truck pulls up to your front door, you can track shipment information either on a package tracking app or order information in advance.

To prevent the packages from being stolen, make a phone call to the delivery man or call your neighbors or friends to help receive the package.

Both UPS and FedEx offer web apps to help reroute parcel to another address and reschedule your package delivery at your convenience for a fee, for example, FedEx's Delivery Manager, and UPS My Choice premium membership for $40 a year.

If you are using other delivery services, online shipment tracking information will be available. Notifying the driver in advance online when your package is due is reassuring.

6. Require Vacation Package Hold to Secure Package Delivery.

Finally going away for vacation, you can place a hold on your package to prevent package theft. Many delivery companies such as USPS and FedEx offer a free service to hold your package at their terminals or delivery centers for a period of time.

7. Insure Your Upcoming Packages.

Insuring your precious holiday parcel, for example, Halloween costume, Thanksgiving gifts or Christmas packages in the first place will guarantee you reimbursement if unfortunately your delivery was stolen or lost before you lay your hand on it.