Don't Fall Victim to "Porch Pirates"

The holiday season is here, and with many packages being delivered to homes and apartments, no one wants to become a victim of package theft. The Golden Police Department has seen an increase in property crimes such as package theft and we want to help prevent you from falling victim to “porch pirates”

If you are looking for FREE or lowcost solutions to prevent porch pirates from taking your packages, try the TEN following solutions.

1. Ship it to work. Keep your package off the porch in the first place. If your employer allows, consider shipping your packages to your workplace instead of your home.

2. Recruit a neighbor’s help. Do you have a neighbor or a friend that is usually home? If so, see if they can wait for your package or keep an eye out for it.

3. Require a signature. Consider requesting a signature for your package to be dropped off. That way, your package will not be left on your porch exposed to potential thieves.

4. Be proactive. If you are sending a package, ask the recipient to share information on the safest way for them to receive deliveries.

5. Take advantage of alternative delivery options and alerts. FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service and UPS all have alternative pickup and delivery options available. Visit their websites to explore your options and update your delivery preferences. You can also sign up for delivery alerts to track your package and stay up to date on delivery times.

6. Get technical. Consider investing in low-cost technologies like automatic light timers and motion-censored lights.

7. Keep your porch clear and visible. It may seem counter-intuitive, but if a thief has no place to hide, they are less likely to take the risk of going up to your porch in the first place.

8. Ask for your box to be nondescript. Ordering from a high-end store? Consider marking the “gift” checkbox when you purchase so the package comes in a plain box. You can also request this of friends and family, so your box does not grab attention.

9. Install a video doorbell. Strategically placed security cameras, or devices like video doorbells and lock boxes, can also go a long way in reducing package theft and have increased in popularity for their ability to catch thieves in the act.

10.Report theft and suspicious behavior. If you are the unfortunate victim of a package theft, you should report it to the Golden Police Department and shipping company.

Call 911 for in-progress thefts, or call 303-980-7300 for incidents not in-progress. You can easily report thefts online at GoldenPolice.net or through the CRIMEWATCH app after signing up and subscribing to the Golden Police Department.