Shocking Package Theft Facts You Should Know

Before we go into the steps of  how to prevent package theft, below are some of the shocking package theft facts and stats you should know.

• Roughly 26 million Americans had packages stolen from their front porch or doorstep during the holidays in 2017, according to a survey.
• Surprisingly the majority of package theft occurred during the day when no one is home.
• Oakland, Baltimore, Atlanta, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, Boston, Portland, Washington, and Sacramento are the top ten cities in US with the most Amazon package thefts.
• Package theft victims spent an average of $200 to replace each stolen package.

Ways to Catch a Package Thief

1. Security Cameras are a must have when trying to capture evidence of theft. Consider installing a Bee-Safe Smart Camera at your front door to watch over deliveries and unwanted visitors. Our 4K high definition cameras are great for catching porch pirates. Take it a step further and install a license plate camera positioned specifically for recording plate numbers.
2. Door Bell Cameras are affordable devices that can capture video of package thieves. The devices are available for purchase through Bee-Safe and can be installed within a couple hours.
3. Neighborhood Watch programs are a great way to keep in touch with your neighbors about recent thefts. Sharing information with others can help keep everyone informed and alert.

How to Prevent Package Theft

• Have your package delivered to your work.
• Have your package delivered to the home of a relative or friend that you know will be home.
• Have your package held at your local post office for pickup.
• Take advantage of “Ship to Store” option that many stores offer. Amazon offers a “locker” feature that allows you to pick up your package from a secure location.
• Request that your package has signature confirmation upon delivery.
• Ask your carrier to place package in an area out of plain view.

STAY SAFE WITH THESE 5 FALL HOME SECURITY TIPS

As the days become shorter and we start looking forward to upcoming fall and winter holidays, it’s important to turn your thoughts to home and personal security. Autumn kicks off the busiest time of the year for many homeowners and families, and it’s easy to let safety and security fall to the wayside. To help you maintain your home’s security, we’ve put together this list of fall home security tips.  Keep reading to check them out!

LIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME

Since the days are getting shorter, it’s starting to get dark earlier. Burglars tend to strike under the cover of darkness, so they take advantage of shorter days. Adding extra lighting around your home can increase your home security. Ensure that you have ample lighting indoors and out, and use programmable lights when you are away. If you already use programmable lights, make sure they are scheduled to turn on earlier than in the summer months.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED

Most home invasions occur via unlocked doors and windows. If you’ve been enjoying the fresh fall breeze, always remember to close the door or window and lock it prior to leaving or going to bed for the night. Stress this important home security tip to your kids as well.

KEEP  TOOLS PUT AWAY

Whether you’re raking the lawn or cleaning leaves from your gutters, remember to put your tools away when you’re finished. In addition to preventing them from being stolen, properly storing your tools means they can’t be used by criminals. A ladder left outside provides easy access your home’s upper levels. Rakes and hammers make excellent tools for breaking windows. Secure your tools to avoid disaster.

BE CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is an amazing tool for staying in touch, but your posts could provide too much information to the wrong people. If you plan on traveling this fall, don’t post your plans or any photos until you’re back home. Set your accounts to private to limit who sees your posts.

Avoid sharing posts that disclose your child’s name and what school they attend. Kidnappers can use this information to abduct children. Stick to sharing personal details privately and only with trusted friends and family members.

AVOID DOOR TO DOORS SALESPEOPLE

You probably tell your kids not to open the door for strangers, but you likely open it as soon as someone knocks. While you may feel that answering the door is polite, doing so is providing a complete stranger with the ability to enter your home. Don’t open the door for door to door salespeople or anyone else you don’t know.

Contact Bee Safe Security for a free home security assessment.