By: Oscar Villanueva, PCI, PI
Vilafor, LLC, Risk and Security Consulting
The convenience of receiving the products we purchase online at home has become incredibly popular, and the latest statistics show that for 2020 the global parcel volume exceeded 130 billion parcels delivered globally per the Pitney Bowes Parcel Shipping Index, and this volume is likely to double by 2026.
Regardless of where you are in the world, the presence of an unattended parcel at your doorstep is a very attractive target for thieves, these days better known as “Porch Pirates”. These intrepid thieves can be seen in many YouTube videos, like this one, brazenly collecting unattended packages from homes.
Many homeowners who have fallen victim to this criminal activity have fantasized about catching these thieves in the act and teaching them a lesson by having the cops arrest them. However, this is easier said than done. Given the hectic schedules many
homeowners and families experience these days, the opportunities to catch thieves in the act are few. So, what to do about porch pirates? This is really a two-prong approach, involving delivery companies and the individuals receiving the parcels.
How to prevent parcel theft and thwart porch pirates
Shipping companies have a responsibility to prevent theft of their deliveries and a few simple steps can help make this a reality:
● Invest in delivery personnel security training to include situational awareness
● Make it a part of the delivery driver’s job to promptly report suspicious activity to law enforcement, including suspicious vehicles seen while on delivery routes
● Create a database and keep track of reported stolen parcels.
● Conduct analysis of loss data and look for ways to improve security.
● Create a parcel theft prevention plan.
● Stay in contact with delivery customers and encourage the reporting of stolen parcels.
Individuals can do their part by:
● Use the delivery company tracking apps or website to know when parcels are delivered.
● Bring your parcel into the house as soon as possible after delivery or have a neighbor do this for you.
● Promptly report missing or stolen parcels
● Report suspicious activity to the police. Porch Pirates can arrive in a vehicle or on foot, and their presence will most likely look out of place in the area, especially if they appear to be following a delivery vehicle.
● When possible, schedule deliveries for days and times when you will be home.
● For one of the best parcel delivery security solutions, consider renting a PO Box at your local post office. This can drastically reduce or eliminate the theft of your parcels
● Consider installing a lockable delivery box
● Additional security countermeasures that should be considered include doorbell cameras and security cameras to identify thieves and serve as a deterrent.
Do you have a risk or security challenge or question?
Contact us at info@vilafor.net
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