How to protect from porch pirates during Black Friday shopping rush
NEW YORK (PIX11) – The height of the holiday shopping season is just a few days away as is the height of package theft season.
Each day about 90,000 packages are reported stolen or lost in transit in New York City, according to officials. The NYPD and security companies like ADT have some tips for protecting your packages from porch pirates, especially during the holiday season.
How to protect your package:
Get a package locker
Multiple delivery services such as USPS, Amazon, and UPS offer locker services where you can have your package delivered safely. New York City also has a free pilot program called LockerNYC that residents in Brooklyn and Queens can take advantage of.
Require a signature
If you anticipate someone being home to receive your packages, requiring a signature can help lower the risk of theft.
Network with neighbors
If package theft is an ongoing problem in your area or apartment building, you can collaborate with your neighbors and discuss being on the lookout for one another’s deliveries. You can ask a trusted neighbor to hold deliveries for you, in exchange for doing the same for them.
Have packages delivered to your workplace
After discussing with your management, having packages delivered to your workplace can help ensure they won’t be left out on your doorstep for long periods of time.
Use ship-to-store options when online shopping
While part of the joy of online shopping comes from having your package delivered directly to your doorstep, sometimes picking up in-store can ensure you get your orders safely. This can be especially helpful for more valuable items.
Track your package with alerts
If available, you can opt-in for text or email alerts for the status of your delivery. This can help with planning that someone will be home to receive the package.
What to do if your package is stolen
Contact the seller or company
Some large retailers and even smaller sellers may replace the package or offer a refund when possible.
Contact the shipping company
If your package was insured you may be able to file a claim with shipping companies like USPS. If the claim is approved, you may be reimbursed for the amount of the item lost.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.