Porch Pirates in the Era of Online Shopping: Will They Be Caught More Often?

Will Porch Pirates Reap the Rewards from This Year's Huge Spike in Online Shopping and Package Delivery?

With the huge spike in online shopping and package delivery, porch pirates could potentially benefit. However, with the current trend and stay-at-home orders, porch pirates might actually find themselves caught more often.

How to Protect Your Packages

Parcel recipients can do a lot to prevent the theft of packages from their address. If it's a recurring issue, it might be a good idea to have your purchases sent to a safer location, which is entirely under the buyer's control. Many people have resorted to installing surveillance cameras or setting up booby traps to deter thieves, but remember, don't hurt anyone. I built a locker hidden in trees along my driveway, and in eight years, nothing has been taken from it.

The Financial Impact of Package Theft

It is alarming to note that porch pirates have cost retailers over $5.5 billion this year alone. Imagine, five billion dollars due to the theft of packages. It's likely that these retailers will start implementing stricter measures to protect their deliveries. We can expect that they won't deliver packages if the customer doesn't specify an alternative address or if they require the customer to collect the package from a nearby store, like Walmart.

Many countries, including the UK, have parcel locker systems in stores where customers can retrieve their packages while shopping. However, the decision ultimately depends on the local legislation and supermarket policies. As these measures take effect, porch pirates might find their activities less profitable.

The Future of Online Shopping and Package Delivery

It is reasonable to predict that porch pirates will be caught more often, but the question is how many people will teach themselves to be more vigilant. Often, we get so wrapped up in our own lives and daily routines that we forget to watch out for ourselves. However, with many people spending most of their time at home due to stay-at-home orders, it's likely that the increased scrutiny will deter these thefts.

In settings like apartment buildings with communal package storage areas, porch pirates may still find success. However, for the majority of households, with 90% of people staying at home, the increased awareness and home security measures will hopefully lead to a reduction in package theft.

As online shopping continues to grow, it is crucial for both consumers and retailers to adopt proactive security measures. By remaining vigilant and supportive of improved delivery systems, we can help minimize the impact of porch pirates and ensure a safer shopping experience for everyone.