The next best thing to presenting a gift in person is having it delivered, on time, for someone’s birthday or any other special occasion. That’s equally true of gift receiving. But what happens when that gift never arrives? The sender gets a little antsy waiting for acknowledgement, even a thank you, and finally gives up and asks whether you got it or not. Perhaps they’re embarrassed to ask, but even if not, you feel awful in telling them “no”.
Was the package lost in transit or, more likely, was it stolen from your front step or other designated drop-off spot? Even worse, did a burglar enter your home and brazenly commit robbery?
Why risk the latter when you can take cautionary measures to prevent package theft.
Convert to a smart lock. Smart locks allow you to lock and unlock doors via an app on your phone or tablet. Some models even allow you to provide access for family, friends, contractors, and of course, delivery personnel.
Install smart sensors. Sure, Fido will bark when he notices someone creeping on the porch or opening a window, but if you’re not home when he does, it’ll do you no good. Smart sensors installed on windows, doors, garages, and any other points of entry can alert you via smartphone when something is opened. Some sensors can even alert you to changes in temperature inside your home, smoke alarms, and water leaks.
Install a lock box or smart mailbox. Think of it as a P.O. Box, but right at your front door. Lockboxes can accommodate larger packages and open only when a delivery person scans a bar code or inputs a tracking number, whereas a smart mailbox has a built-in live camera, motion sensor, and security alarm that alerts you on your phone when a package is delivered and placed inside.
Use a secure delivery location. Eliminate the problem by redirecting deliveries to UPS Access Points or Amazon Lockers. They can be found at various grocery stores, dry cleaners, and even florist shops for convenient pick up.
Receive packages at work. If you have a good relationship with the front office staff or corporate mailroom, have your packages delivered to your place of work instead of home.
Ask delivery personnel to hide packages. The back porch, breezeway, or even shed are great places to hide newly delivered packages until you can get home.
Use the “Ship to Store” option. See if your online retailer offers free delivery to a nearby store instead of having packages shipped to your home. In some cases, you may even save a few bucks on shipping fees.
Hold for delivery. Request that your purchases be held at the local carrier’s pickup location, like a nearby post office, FedEx center, or a UPS store.
Sound a little complicated? Not at all – or at least not when you enlist Now Security Services to help ensure safe package delivery and all around home and personal safety. Contact us today for a free in-home consultation.