This year has been a wild one. We’ve been isolated and stuck in our homes, which also means we’ve been doing a lot more shopping online. Whether that’s due to boredom or safety precautions, it’s likely that most of us will be seeing an increase in packages at our doorsteps, especially during the holiday season. In fact, approximately three billion packages will make their way through the ecommerce system, which is nearly eight million more packages than in 2019!
Unfortunately, this time of year is also when package thefts are at an all-time high. There’s nothing worse than ordering something you really need or getting a gift for someone else, only to find out that it’s been stolen. This week’s Urich Lock Co. blog is here to provide some helpful tips that can help you protect your packages.
Urich Lock Co. offers a wide range of services in Oak Creek, including electronic access control, contract door hardware services, mechanical access control, and more! The safety of your home or business is our number one priority. Read this week’s Urich Lock Co. blog to learn more about how you can reduce package theft, and contact us for locksmith services in Oak Creek today!
Have Packages Delivered to Your Work
If you’re going to be away for long periods of time during the day for work, but you want to ensure your packages are protected, opt for having items delivered to your work instead of your home. This way, you’ll know when your package arrives and you’ll be able to keep a close eye on it throughout the day!
Send Packages to a Friend or Relative’s House
If you’re unable to send packages to your workplace, another great option is sending packages to a friend or relative’s house. If there’s someone who lives nearby that’s willing to let you use their address for deliveries, you can rest assured that your packages are in good hands.
Before you do this, though, be sure that the person will be home to receive your package and will be able to bring it inside right away!
Install a Surveillance System
With modern-day technology, keeping an eye on your home is quite simple. If you’re worried about packages getting stolen, but need to have them delivered to your home, we recommend installing a surveillance system in the front of your home.
We suggest choosing a system that will alert you of any activity and will let you know when your delivery man stops by. These systems are great because they operate 24/7 and no one can access the footage, unless they have the proper authorization to do so.
Not only will a camera help you keep an eye on things, but it also serves as a deterrent for any unwanted visitors. If someone plans on stealing your packages and looks up to see a camera, they’ll be much less likely to go through with the theft.
There are plenty of systems available for both commercial and residential use, all with various capabilities.
Request That Your Package Require Signature
While it’s usually quite convenient when your package doesn’t require a signature, there may be certain situations where you might want to request that it does, to ensure you’re the one who actually receives it. Depending on the carrier service, you may be able to change settings or make a request for particular packages that state you’d like it to require a signature instead of the package just being left on your doorstep.
We recommend doing this for larger or more expensive packages. If the package is so large that it can be easily seen from the street, be sure you request that it require a signature. This is also important for big-ticket items such as electronics.
For most delivery services, a signature will be required if the value of your package is over $750. However, if it’s less than that and you still feel like a signature may be necessary, ask your carrier how you can select that option. It will help protect you in case you don’t receive your item and need to open a case with your delivery service.
Ask Your Postal Carrier to Place Your Packages Out of Plain Sight
If possible, it’s a good idea to ask your package carrier to place items out of sight. For example, if you have decorations on your porch, instruct them to leave packages behind the decorations so that they can’t be easily seen when approaching your home.
We suggest leaving a friendly note on the doorbell with this special request so your delivery driver won’t miss it.
Invest in an Access Control System
Packages left on your porch aren’t the only ones that may be at risk this season. If thieves get the opportunity, they may even enter your home to steal your things. While this may sound scary, there are some things you can do to help prevent this. Most importantly, our Urich Lock Co. team recommends installing an access control system so you can keep a close eye on who’s entering and exiting your home.
This option can even allow for your packages to be delivered inside your home, if you feel comfortable granting your delivery driver with the proper authorization. Many access control systems will send notifications to your device to let you know there is someone at the door or when someone has walked in or out. It’s even possible to get an access control system that allows guests to speak to you while they’re waiting outside!
Not only do these systems allow you to keep a very close eye on what’s happening on your front porch, but they also offer convenience. If you’re in need of an access control system for your home or business, reach out to Urich Lock Co. today!
We offer both electronic and mechanical systems for both residential and commercial use. Whether you need an electronic keypad that requires a PIN, a card or credential reader, biometric readers, lock rekeying, or something more, our highly trained professionals have got you covered! Call us today to learn more.
Oak Creek Locksmith Services You Can Trust
At Urich Lock Co., we take pride in the services we provide. For us, it’s about more than the transaction – we aim to create trusting and long-lasting relationships with each of our clients. Your safety is our number one priority and we’ll do everything we can to help guarantee it.
To learn more about our locksmith services in Oak Creek or to schedule an appointment with us, call our team of professionals today! We’re excited to help provide you with solutions that offer security and peace of mind.
