Porch Pirates – Holiday 2020 Edition

Just in time for the holidays, the new Porch Piracy Act that was signed into Oklahoma law last month will help protect your packages and prosecute would-be thieves. It includes fines and potential prison sentences for those who steal packages, which will hopefully help deter attempts to snatch your shipments. But how else can you protect your purchases? Here are some security tips for receiving and retaining your deliveries all year long.

1 – Require A Signature Upon Delivery

Many delivery services (including USPS, UPS, and FedEx) offer you the option to require a signature at time of delivery. This may not be the most convenient option for all circumstances, but it is a guaranteed way to prevent your packages from being left unprotected on your porch. If you are able to arrange your schedule so that you can be available to sign for shipments, you can take advantage of this feature and avoid any future losses.

2 – Sign Up For Tracking And Delivery Alerts

Another readily available feature of most purchases is the ability to track your package in real time and watch it get closer to its destination until it finally arrives. Many retailers provide this automatically and for free with all purchases, so make sure to check for a tracking code in confirmation emails or after your purchase is complete. When you can watch your delivery’s progress through the shipping process, you can know exactly when it arrives and make an effort to retrieve it as soon as possible- giving thieves less time to strike.

3 – Have Shipments Delivered To Your Work

If possible, you can save a lot of hassle by receiving your deliveries at your place of work, if outside the home. This way you can skip the porch all together and know that your package is safe with you. If this is not an option for you, also consider asking a trusted neighbor, relative, or close friend for permission to ship your package to their home. Then they can either drop it off for you later or you can pick it up from their house when convenient. Note: Make sure to only do this with people you know well.

4 – Use Amazon Lockers

If you have an Amazon account you have the option of shipping many items to a local Amazon Locker location for no additional charge. Plus, if you are an Amazon Prime member your free two-day shipping can be applied to these shipments just as they would to your home. We have several Amazon Hub Lockers in the greater Tulsa area, so this may be the perfect solution for your more valuable shipments that you want to make sure are secure.

5 – Upgrade Your Home Security System

The best way to protect your packages, and your home’s security year-round, is to equip it with a security system. These come in many varieties with options for state-of-the-art cameras, video doorbells, alarm systems, and easy-to-use smart panels for convenient control. You can also monitor and control your home security from your smart phone. With these tools visibly installed in and around your home, thieves are less daring and often will look for easier prey. And in case someone does attempt to steal from you, having video footage is useful for reporting and retrieving your losses. At TiTan we are dedicated to providing the best in home security to our community, so contact us today for a free consultation!

Taking these steps to protect yourself and your belongings will save you time, money, and worry all year round. Please give us a call at 918-777-SAFE or visit www.titanalarmsok.com for assistance with your home’s security. Have a happy holiday season filled with peace of mind and presents for all, and remember, Tulsa trusts TiTan!