Porch pirates are real, with almost 50% of Americans saying they've been ripped off by them. Police make arrests in less than 10% percent of home package theft cases, and even then, the crooks are often charged with a misdemeanor that results in a slap on the wrist. It's gotten to the point where several states are now taking action to make porch piracy a felony, with mandatory fines and jail time. So, how do you keep yourself from becoming a victim? Obviously, having a package delivered to your office or another residence where someone will be there to get it is the best route, but that’s not always possible. Many people have resorted to using a home security system like Ring or Nest, which has a doorbell camera and alerts you when someone is at your door. Having a system like this can be a deterrent to thieves. You can also check services offered by delivery companies. UPS offers a service that allows you to pick the date and time a package is delivered, and packages can also be held for pickup at their stores. FedEx allows you to have a package held at a local FedEx office or a participating Walgreens store, and the U.S. Postal Service can also hold your packages or redirect delivery.
