KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Thousands of packages will land on doorsteps across the country after Cyber Monday purchases. This holiday season, police warn a surveillance camera on your porch might not be enough to stop thieves from taking your deliveries.
Delivery companies often place packages outside houses when no one is home. Those unwatched boxes become a target for thieves who take them right off porches. Surveillance cameras record the crime, but police say that’s not always a guarantee that investigators will be able to track down the thief. Plus, some thieves don’t seem to be bothered by the chance a camera records them.
In Kansas City, Amazon can now deliver purchases to a bank of lockers where you access your items with a code. This month, the online giant set up lockers at two locations in Johnson County. The plan is to install lockers at QuikTrip locations in Kansas City as well.
If you’re not using Amazon, there are still ways to protect yourself. Consumer Reports says buying with a credit card can provide some insurance.
“Credit card companies like American Express offer coverage up to $1,000 to recoup your loss,” explained Nicholas Deleon of Consumer Reports.
He said many delivery services offer customizable options, including allowing you to choose what time a package arrives at your home.
Other ideas include having packages delivered to your workplace or to a neighbor you trust who is home most of the day.
The United States Postal Service is also fighting back against these so-called “porch pirates” with a service called "informed delivery." If you register online, the post office will email you pictures of what's coming to your house before it arrives so you can plan ahead.
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