Be on the lookout for porch pirates
They may not walk around with a parrot on their shoulder, say “aargh!” or sail a ship, but they do walk around snatching packages off doorsteps. Porch Pirates are increasingly becoming a problem, and there will likely be a rise in incidents this holiday season. Some reports claim thieves are to following the delivery trucks, helping themselves to packages once they have been delivered.
Packages left outside of homes are stolen every year, especially during the holidays.
“While it's frustrating and outrageous that thieves would stroll up to your home and take your deliveries”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “There are steps you can take to prevent the bad guys from getting away with the goods.”
BBB offers the following tips to keep pesky porch pirates away from your packages:
Keep Track. Make sure you know which company is delivering your package, and save the receipt and tracking number by printing it out or saving the email.
Signature Confirmation. Request a signature confirmation upon delivery. This will prevent the delivery person from leaving the package unattended.
Delivery time. Request a time for the package to be delivered when you’re at home. If you know you won’t be home, consider having packages delivered to your employment or a trusted neighbor/friend who will be at home or have them lookout for the package and hold until you get home.
