anti porch pirate device

2021/05/21

Keep reading for the scoop on how to keep your packages secure. He told me they attempted to open a dozen of their boxes and could not replicate what we demonstrated. So, what strategies can you employ to defeat this neighborhood menace? The device will then send you a notification of the delivery. Here are our tips for theft-proofing your entire house this winter. If we stay in this business this will hold true for our new products and models. And finally, many independent mail and shipping stores will let you have your package shipped to them as long as it meets their size and weight requirements.

So which video doorbell do we recommend?

Consumer Reports shows some of its top rated devices for stopping porch package thieves. The idea is that the consumer provides the code (once the box is initially programmed) to the different delivery entities for their easy and secure access. That said, were constantly striving to make our products more secure and your input here is valuable. The growing popularity and reliance upon online orders and home delivery has spawned an entire new industry for criminals and opportunists-turned-thieves: stealing goods by so-called porch pirates. The problem stems from items being left on doorsteps, porches, or entry ways to apartments, private residences, or buildings by delivery carriers. The high-quality smart sensors are incorporated to sense as little as 16 oz and up to 100 lbs package. Here are 10 ways to refresh a tired porch. Watch the video that shows four different methods of attack; all simply, quickly, and easily executed without damage or evidence of entry. She said, You can be at work. But there are ways to fight back. And if you want to take things a step further, there are a number of delivery arrangements that minimize porch-raiding opportunities during the holidays, which are a bonanza for package thieves. For Donna, though, her porch pirate problems are a thing of the past. Package Guard is designed to handle packages as light as 16 ounces and as heavy as 100 pounds. A few that stand out include the Nest Hello Video Doorbell, which can detect familiar faces; the Eufy Pro Cam 2K, which stores your footage on a local hard drive so you dont have to pay for a cloud subscription, and the Arlo Video Doorbell, which has a number of smart AI-powered features to make sure nothing goes unnoticed. These are the best, inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home. Even though the Porch Pirate bag could conceivably be cut open by a determined thief, it more than likely would be an effective deterrentand at $35, its a relatively affordable experiment. However, free replacements can certainly hurt the bottom line of small businesses. If you want to kill two birds with one stone, there are lights that are integrated with home security cameras from brands such as Eufy, Arlo and Ring, some of which will also sound an alarm to ward off porch pirates. Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps"). Take your cue from homeowners whove caught package thieves red-handed, and install a security camera near your front door. A recent survey by SafeWise found that more than 210 million packages have been stolen across the country in the past year. This Frisbee-like device is a virtual security guard. Of course, you can always rent a USPS post office box, too. This includes connected home security products, such as video doorbells and home security cameras, which can deter porch pirates from the act altogether, or give you a good look at them if theyre still bold enough to attempt a heist. They are really just floodlights that double as security cameras. The Package Guard is designed to set off a 100-decibel alarm that will alert your neighbors if an unauthorized person moves your package or the device. Do you need a guaranteed solution that will work against the package thieves at all scenarios? These DIY mudroom lockers keep you entryway tidy. The Package Guard app allows you to receive alerts and to control the device from your phone.

In that case, they were tested by their design engineers.

The gist is this: A delivery man can walk up to the box, open it, and deposit the package.

This Raspberry Pi-based build aims to deter porch pirates from stealing packages left at your front door. A few weeks later I again spoke with Quinn and told him we could open their $155.00 boxes in under thirty seconds (worst case) and usually in about two seconds by one simple technique. The design premise of this product links the delivery service to the ability to open the padlock and lock box by scanning the bar code on the shipping label. Just as the name sounds, its a big box that you put on your porch. For more on the best outdoor security cameras, check out our guide here. Another approach: an electronic padlock with bar code scanner. The boxes were designed, developed and are being sold by CleverMade at Costco, Walmart, Home Depot, Amazon, and others. He says hes had numerous packages stolen from his own front porch and knows many others have been through similar experiences. Here are our tips for theft-proofing your entire house this winter. This video demonstrates the ease with which to release the shackle. At the same time, the device sends a notification to your phone telling you that your package has been moved. It also has Wi-Fi connectivity, 4 Batteries and an Anti-Theft cable. It is available from Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware. House Bill 22-1030 does have one caveat, though. The Raspberry Pi sets everything off if it detects that someone other than Ryder has removed the package from the cameras view. BenchSentry was created to thwart porch theft. They are a sample of what is being sold in the marketplace. In addition to outdoor cameras and in-home delivery services, select companies offer smart locks and storage options for your packages. Smart technology will open a homeowners garage and then close it for the delivery driver. The device will withstand rainy or snowy conditions. We can always rely on Ryder Calm Downs YouTube channel for unique and quasi-bonkers builds.

But the idea itself is sound, and its easy to imagine a point where we all have our own boxes with multiple compartments where delivery people can deposit your daily drop of goods and be on their way. Most packages usually weigh between the above-mentioned range. Ring has a device specifically for tracking when people are opening your mailbox, which makes tracking deliveries a lot easier. Security cameras are nothing new, but like doorbell cams, modern versions are connected to the internet and come with detection features that can alert you in the event that theres unusual activity around your house.

Outsmart package thieves with this 30-inch x 40-inch PVC reinforced nylon bag that locks to your front door or gate. Plus you can put as many cameras as you want (within reason), anywhere you want, offering a lot of versatility in how you use these. Either way you do it, you should be able to track the delivery of small parcels -- and make sure you know when someone's opening the mailbox who shouldn't be. Buy Now. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. 7 home security tips for apartment dwellers, How to use Alexa commands with your home security camera, Home security buying guide: Start your security tech hunt here, 9 devices you should buy to make your home instantly safer, Calling 911: Helpful tips when reporting an emergency. If none of the above tech options appeal to you, don't fret. All Rights Reserved. Of course, you have to travel to an Amazon Locker location, but these kiosks let you pick up Amazon packages on your own schedule with a six-digit code (rather than worrying about something sitting on your front porch). Shop Arlo Cameras The code is transmitted to the lock when the invoice is created, via the customers home WiFi network. The devices inventor debuted the box at the Oklahoma State Fair, and it could be the answer to a very annoying problem, One injured after a shooting in Burlington Saturday morning, Danville police investigating an early morning shooting that left one man dead, one injured.

Amazon sells plenty of popular systems, like this one by Baxia Technology that has more than 800 five-star reviews. You can also have your packages shipped to your office, or somewhere else where you're guaranteed to be during the day.

If youre hardly ever around to receive packages, consider signing up for a paid service that will receive and protect your packages until you can pick them up. If youre an Amazon Prime member in an eligible location, you can sign up for Amazon Key and have your packages delivered inside your home or vehicleand despite the name, no key is required. Every day when I come home from work, I open my FRED box and get my package out, said Donna. Click here to pull the trigger and to make them walk the blank. If this is the case, a tried-and-true floodlamp with a motion sensor will not only illuminate the areas captured on camera (offering a better look at anyone approaching your doorstep), but also make them visible to passersby. Seim thinks the bill is a good idea that could prevent package thefts in the future. In short, we think the Yale Smart Delivery Box represents the future of home package delivery. This allows you to skip that monthly cloud storage fee and you can see the images on your smartphone. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The Ring Doorbell Video Cams from Amazon are also popular options, but its worth noting that the company has had issues with privacy and security in the past when it comes to storing and sharing users footage. The lock is also associated with an App that allows an unlock code to be sent directly by the customer to the padlock. The device will sound an alarm and send you a notification if any unauthorized person moves your package. This is a true deterrent rather than just grabbing a video clip of somebody walking off the porch with a package.. Low storm chance today; better rain & storm chance Sunday.

Porch pirates dont take well to the spotlight, so deter them with motion-sensor lights. If you buy something through our links,wemay earn an affiliate commission. These DIY mudroom lockers keep you entryway tidy. Learn how to install surveillance cameras, choose and install motion-sensor lighting, Do Not Sell My Personal Information CA Residents. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. TheBlankBox is an effective way to deter someone from stealing from you, plus, it makes for some entertaining video!

Major delivery services like FedEx and UPS offer locker services internationally, but you probably have a local package receiving center if you live in a big city like New York (see Go Locker and City CoPilot). The problem is that it would also offer the knowledgeable thief an advertisement of vulnerability. Is It Better To Lease Or Buy A Car In Summer 2022? UPS, FedEx, Amazon Prime and USPS are BoxLock partners.. "It's a quick theft," Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Genae Cook toldCBS affiliate WTTV.

It requires the victims of porch pirate theft to file a police report in order to qualify for the tax credit. It is safe, simple, reliable, cheaper, and of course, petrifying for the porch pirates. Integrated porch light-security cameras are an emerging smart home security category. Keep an eye on your holiday purchases, even if you're away from home. ", Fortunately, the proliferation of smart home devices means you can monitor deliveries from your phone. If a would-be porch pirate attempts to steal the package or the Package Guard device itself, a loud internal siren will be activated. However, we found two methods to attack the padlock to open it; one very simple, and one requiring slightly more expertise, but relatively easy to accomplish. As deliveries begin to roll in ahead of the holiday season, it's prime time for porch pirates to swipe unprotected packages off of doorsteps. The battery-powered Ring Video Doorbell with night vision is a great choice. The delivery man will then place your package on the Package Guard. Wi-Fi connectivity ensures that you promptly receive notifications from the device. Top Apple Deals for July 2022: Can We Interest You in $99 AirPods and $309 iPads? You can get a great one that costs around $100 or less. When internet shopper and AI project maker Ryder had a package stolen from his porch, he wanted to make sure that didnt happen again. Were confident that with one of the seven options listed above, youll be able to stop package theft. Have a problem?Send me an email, at jmatarese@wcpo.com or message me on Facebook. Its product, also called BoxLock, is a smart padlock that works with a related BoxLock app., Here's how it's supposed to work: A BoxLock delivery partner uses the lock to scan the package barcode. Chances are, youve experienced a dramatic upswing in the number of packages youve had delivered over the past few years thanks to the pandemic, and the closing of many retail stores. TheBlankBox is a entertaining way to deter package theft or aprank device that gets A LOT of attention. The following day, the product was removed from the shelves and not available for sale at this store. The other drawbacks of these boxes are prices, which start around $150. If youre in a bind and wont be home to sign for your package, see if your delivery service will let you redirect the package to a trusted neighbors addressUPS MyChoice does this, for instance. He also went one step further, wanting to hamper the thiefs escape with motion-activated water sprinklers and a blast of flour ready to catch them as they run away. Sounds like something I would want to do. This lock is a more sophisticated solution than CleverMade and a lot more engineering went into its development. The Spotlight Cam even has a 110-decibel siren, so you can scare someone away when needed. Now many homes are empty again during the day and thieves are more brazen than ever. Gmail Hackers Target Google AccountsHeres How To Stop Them, Cops Turn To Google Location Data To Pursue A Death Penalty For 2015 Murder, Facebook, Google And Trustpilot Failing To Deal With Fake Reviews, Microsoft Windows Security Warning As Multiple 0Days Used In Attacks On Business Users, UK Spy Agency MI5 'Breached Surveillance Laws For More Than A Decade', Google Chrome: 0Day Targets Journalists, 11 New Security Holes Plugged In Latest Update, iOS 15.6Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users. We handpick the products and services we write about. A Lock Box is without a doubt a better solution than leaving packages in plain sight, luring Porch Pirates to your door-step. We were not able to repeat what we saw in your video you sent us.. However, you shouldnt drop it in water as it might affect the inner workings of the device. A new, cheaper alternative: a floodlight security camera. The camera keeps an eye on Ryders porch and is connected wirelessly to a Raspberry Pi 4, which works with a custom TensorFlow machine learning model trained to recognise when a package is or isnt present. Start with a package delivery box. Fundamentally the approach is a good one but again, the execution in security engineering is, in my opinion, lacking, as shown in the videos that demonstrate two different methods of attack that can be employed by thieves. If you want to stop package theft, its a powerful combination. Read on to find out what products and services will help you keep a virtual "eye" on your holiday packages, no matter where you are.. The App is available in both Android and iOS. Facebooks New NightmareIs It Time To Delete Your Account? But if you have a home security system at home, another easy way of monitoring your mailbox is using a door/window sensor -- one of those magnetic gadgets that pings the system when an entryway is opened -- inside the door of your box.

Connect it to your WiFi and position it on your doorstep, instructing delivery people to place packages on top of it. The wireless setup takes less than 5 minutes and you are set to receive lives updates on your iOS or Android device. Every product is independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read More: Stop Package Thieves Once and for All With One of These Doorbell Video Cameras. Amazon also offers a Locker programin select areas. Postal carriers see these 12 unusual things every day. CleverMade produces a steel lock box to deter package theft. 2022 CNET, a Red Ventures company. One of the most crucial tools you can buy to fight porch pirates is a doorbell cam. Likewise, Amazon will also let you pick your delivery day. We recommend our users to update the browser. We found that there's not a lot of data. With a subscription, you can look back at recorded events, get alerts and use two-way talk to scare off would-be porch pirates. All things considered, its a small price to pay if you live amongst porch pirates. Nobody likes having to rush to the post office or the FedEx/UPS shipping centers before they close and have to wait in line, but if you absolutely need to guarantee that your new computer or TV wont get swiped, electing to hold your package for delivery is the best and only way to guarantee a safe delivery. A simple motion detector wouldnt work because it would set off Ryders booby traps whenever an unsuspecting cat or legitimate visitor happened across his porch, or if Ryder himself arrived home and didnt fancy a watery flour bath. He has introduced a bill to offer a $75 tax credit to porch pirate victims who put in an anti-theft device. Use the online zip code locator to find a locker near you, and use that as your delivery address. You know exactly what is happening at your porch.

When your shopping cart is full, your payment information is entered, and its time to choose your shipping details, take a moment to check off signature required. This is an option with all the major services, like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS.

2022 Forbes Media LLC. There are many such products on the market. The bill was laid over for lawmakers to discuss possible amendments and then take action another day. The design allows you to share a lock code ahead of delivery, ensuring your package is safe. Short of paying a security guard to sit on your stoop all day or moving to a new location, there is no foolproof solution to fully stopping this irritating practice, but there are a number of effective ways to stop porch pirates. So some machine learning and a Python script needed to be employed. Did you know that if you buy something on Amazon, you can have it shipped to a secured locker that unlocks with a password supplied to you by Amazon? You buy a product and ship it to your home only to have a porch pirate beat you to the punch. Its free to useand if youre a Prime member, youre entitled to free two-day shipping. To extend security beyond your front door, Consumer Reports said to consider a camera system around your home, typically using four to five wireless or hard-wired cameras. You can require a signature for your delivery so packages aren't ever left outside when no one's home. The upcoming holiday shopping season is also sure to bring a surge of at-home deliveries, hopefully in spite of the current supply chain delays. All you have to do is set it up and leave it on your porch. The Ring Spotlight Cam (pictured), the Netatmo Outdoor Security Camera and the Ring Floodlight Cam all combine smart lighting with smart video monitoring. The Holidays are here. The Arlo Pro 4 is smart and feature-rich, with 2K video resolution, a built-in spotlight for night-time deterrence, a surprisingly loud siren and all the smarts of the company's video doorbell. The Anti-theft cable ensures that your device remains safe on your porch. We stand behind our products and are confident the security of our products is appropriate for their intended use by our customers. It may not be as convenient as having your package delivered to your home, but its pretty quick and easy to pop into a 7-11, enter a password at the locker terminal, and walk out with your undisturbed goods. There may be a fee involved if you go this route, so you may want to call a local shop ahead of time. Several solutions are being tried and implemented by Amazon and other vendors and carriers. A doorbell camera is a very effective tool in the fight against porch pirates, but if your packages are dropped off somewhere other than your front porch, or the view from your door is heavily obscured, you may want to consider some outdoor security cameras. They found that at least one-third of customers were victims of one or more stolen packages in the past year, which translates into serious costs and revenue losses. Its priceless to have that peace of mind.. Many thieves are looking for a low-risk opportunity, and the mere sight of a camera may be enough to ward off intruders. Ahead of the holidays, police are preparing for an influx of porch pirates, and Donna and the FRED Box team are preparing to protect packages of any size. What is TheBlankBox? Instruct delivery people to drop your package inside, then lock it using the attached combination lock. TheBlankBoxoriginated from watching people run away with our packages while we were at work and we wanted a way to prank a porch pirate! We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), inexpensive ways to theft-proof your home.

You can often request a delivery confirmation, too. Seim says big companies like Amazon have done a good job with their customer service by replacing packages that go missing. One nice thing about floodlights is, on most homes, theyre already in spots that are ideal spaces for cameras, such as over your garage door. Ring, Honeywell, and ADT are among the best brands on the market, according to Consumer Reports. You can even drop it off here, too! The delivery driver types the code into the lock to open the box, and an optional camera upgrade can send you a real-time feed. The important question is whether a lock box sitting on a porch is a real deterrent?

She is a board member of the Louisville chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Thanks! With these tips, you can at least make life as difficult as possible for your local porch pirates. They are hardwired for power, so you don't have to worry about recharging a battery. Last year, porch thefts decreased, because many people were working from home during the pandemic. Colorado lawmakers have tried and failed in previous legislative sessions to crack down on porch piracy. Returning a package to Amazon? Before that, she wrote for NBC's Dvice.com (now SyFy). As in any new product category, product solutions and designs improve over time. Here are 10 ways to refresh a tired porch. Its the best feeling in the world.. Were in the process of assessing your findings and making design adjustments.

There are real solutions, but consumers should be knowledgeable about those that properly address the problem. "Customers are expecting companies to do something about it, and customers can only generally take so much responsibility for packages getting into their homes.". I don't know that there's going to be one right solution, so maybe having an array of solutions is really the answer here, said Akaka. These tend to start around $250 for DIY systems like Swann, or a pro can install a system for around $1,000.

Megan has a master's degree from the University of Louisville and a bachelor's degree from Connecticut College, both in international relations. Our partners at Consumer Reports recommend several ways to keep your packages and home more secure. This legislative session, Rep. Alex Valdez has a different idea. We have our customers best interest in mind when developing products. These are your options when it comes to buying and installing home security systems. You can choose to silence the alarm such that you will only receive a notification if your package is moved. Alternatively, if you have a free account with UPS or FedEx, you can specify a day and window of time youd like your package delivered so that you can plan to be home when it arrives. It is a crime. How to go about this differs depending on where youre shopping and what company is handling the shipping, but there are a couple of typical ways this plays out. You can also look back at your video footage with Arlo Smart to help neighbors and law enforcement (if necessary) identify who snagged your holiday deliveries. However, a $3 monthly subscription to a Ring Protect plan is required for package alerts. All rights reserved. It can be worth it if you are out during the day. The only way to deactivate the alarm is via the Package Guard app. There are a number of anti-theft options for consumers, like BenchSentry by Genie, a company that started with three employees in Lakewood but has expanded significantly since getting started. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. These steel containers weigh about thirty-five pounds and can be accessed with an electronic keypad (with a four-digit code), or as an alternative, a bypass key. The hardwired Arlo Video Doorbell has high-definition resolution, a live video feed, motion alerts and more -- for a super reasonable price. One such company is BoxLock. Also, you can also create an invite-only group where your friends or family can securely pick up the package if you are away. Amazon Prime members have another option to keep an eye on their packages. If the system detects a package, it gets ready to deploy the anti-thief traps. If you have theft problems or you want to prank someone, TheBlankBox or TheBlankTrigger will solve your problems and give you a good laugh. It allows you to set the limited number and identity of people that can access the package without sounding the alarm. Package Guard Package Sensor Protection is a disc-shaped pressure sensitive smart device that is meant to ensure the safety of your delivered packages. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. The Yale Smart Delivery Box not only offers an effective solution against porch pirates, but also offers a glimpse at a future where a delivery box is as common as a mailbox. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. In terms of porch piracy, losers for the companies and losers for the customer," said Melissa Akaka, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business. Follow this author to improve your content experience. Most of the time when somebody is the victim of piracy, they just call Amazon or whoever and get another package sent their way. However, what if you could have your own personal dropoff locker? He has introduced a bill to offer a $75 tax credit to porch pirate victims who put in an anti-theft device.

With this kit, you can receive alerts when a courier arrives and watch them deliver the package inside your home. TheAmazon Key In-Home Kitis required to enable the Key service. To get the most out of these connected camera products, you will usually need to buy a monthly cloud subscription, too.

This device is sold by BoxLock and is very clever in its functionality. I was contacted by a colleague, the CEO of a U.S. lock manufacturer, who was shopping at a Costco store in Oregon and found a steel lock box specifically designed to allow package delivery personnel to securely drop off their goods in order to protect them from theft. But for most other scenarios, you will need to take your tracking number for whatever shipping service is being used (USPS, UPS, FedEx), and provide specific instructions through their site. He agreed that the way in which we opened the container, by inserting a small piece of metal into the bypass lock, did not provide any real form of protection. We furnished videos of four different methods to compromise their represented security, which were also confirmed by our colleague in Oregon with their three additional boxes. He issued the following statement: "We take the security of our products seriously and have a strong, timely and consistent track record working publicly and privately with seasoned security professionals. With each of these devices, you can watch a live video feed, receive motion alerts and talk to people via two-way audio intercoms. This device includes an anti-theft Cable to secure your Porch and sounds a loud 100 dB Alarm notifying you when the package or the device have been moved.

This piece was originally published in 2017 and is periodically updated with new recommendations. Instead of monitoring traditional outdoor deliveries with outdoor cameras, the Amazon Key service allows Amazon to deliver packagesinsideyour home. He figured that package stealers would be deterred by blaring sirens and flashing red lights.