It's a sinking feeling that too many of us know: you check the tracking, it says "delivered," but there's nothing at your door. Package theft — or "porch piracy" — costs consumers over $8 billion annually in the US alone, and the problem is only getting worse. The good news? There are plenty of practical steps you can take to protect your deliveries. Some are high-tech, others are surprisingly simple. Here are 10 strategies that actually work. ## 1. Get a Video Doorbell This is the single most effective deterrent. Research shows that homes with visible cameras experience around 50% fewer package thefts. Products like Ring, Nest, and Arlo are affordable, easy to install, and serve as both a deterrent and evidence if theft does occur. **Pro tip:** Position your camera to clearly capture the delivery area and any approaching path. ## 2. Use Delivery Notifications Every major carrier — Amazon, UPS, FedEx, DPD, Royal Mail — offers delivery notifications. Enable them. The faster you know your package has arrived, the faster you can bring it inside. ## 3. Invest in a Secure Parcel Box A lockable parcel delivery box on your porch lets couriers safely deposit packages even when you're not home. Prices range from $50 for basic lockboxes to $300+ for smart boxes with app connectivity. ## 4. Ship to Your Workplace If your employer allows it, shipping to the office means someone is always there to receive packages during business hours. This is especially useful for high-value items. ## 5. Use Click-and-Collect or Lockers Amazon Lockers, UPS Access Points, InPost lockers, and DPD Pickup shops let you collect packages from secure locations at your convenience. Most are open until late evening. ## 6. Require a Signature For valuable items, always opt for signature-required delivery. Yes, it means you need to be home, but it virtually eliminates theft risk. Services like Royal Mail Special Delivery and FedEx Direct Signature are designed for exactly this. ## 7. Leave Specific Delivery Instructions Don't just hope the driver will find a good hiding spot. Leave clear, specific instructions: "Please leave behind the large plant pot on the left side of the porch" is much better than "leave in a safe place." ## 8. Stagger Your Deliveries If you're ordering multiple items, try to schedule deliveries for times when you'll be home. Most retailers now offer delivery window selection. ## 9. Build a Neighbourhood Network Talk to your neighbours. A simple arrangement where you accept each other's packages when the other person is out can prevent most theft. Many communities use group chats for exactly this purpose. ## 10. Insure Valuable Items For high-value purchases, always check if shipping insurance is included or available. Many carriers include basic coverage ($100-500), with premium insurance available for additional cost. ## What to Do If a Package Is Stolen If it does happen, act quickly: 1. **Check your camera footage** and save any relevant clips 2. **Report to the carrier** immediately — most have dedicated theft claim processes 3. **Contact the retailer** — many will reship or refund without requiring a police report 4. **File a police report** — this creates an official record and helps with insurance claims 5. **Report on DeliverInga** — your experience helps other customers stay informed ## Prevention Is Always Better None of these strategies are foolproof on their own, but combining several of them dramatically reduces your risk. A video doorbell + delivery notifications + specific instructions covers 90% of scenarios. Stay safe, and if you've had a great (or terrible) experience with a delivery company's theft prevention, share your story on DeliverInga.