How to Protect Your Home From Houston's Package Theft Problem
Houston is a wonderful place to live, with various historic sites and a culturally diverse atmosphere. It's known for famous attractions like Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum District. Like any large metro area, it does face challenges - one of them being package theft. Houston is one of the top five cities for porch pirates, with residents losing over $207 million in package thefts in 2024. While that number may sound alarming, the good news is that there are proven ways to keep your deliveries secure and your home protected.
Whether you're new to the area or you've lived there for years, you may be wondering what you can do to combat porch pirates. Here's how smart home solutions can protect your home from falling victim to Houston's silent crime wave.
Install a Home Security System
Smart home security systems are popular in Houston. They're effective at deterring package thieves and can bring peace of mind to homeowners. They're also more affordable now than they used to be, though it's always wise to compare costs to make sure you're getting a good deal. Here are a few of the top benefits a home security system can offer you:
- Deter Criminal Activity: Criminals don't want to get caught, so they typically look for homes that aren't well-protected. If they can tell you have a quality home security system, they'll be less likely to steal packages from you.
- Real-Time Monitoring: If you want to maximize your home security for deliveries, invest in a security system that offers real-time monitoring. That way, you'll be notified immediately anytime someone ill-intentioned approaches your house. You'll be able to see what they're doing on your property and get their physical description in case you need to report them to the police.
- Two-Way Communication: Anytime you contact the police, you have to figure in their response time to the scene. They may not be able to arrive in time to catch a quick porch thief in the act. If you have smart video doorbell security, you can verbally confront any trespasser on your porch. Just hearing someone's voice when they thought they were alone may be enough to startle them away from your property empty-handed.
Most smart security systems also offer cloud storage options. This can be helpful if you need to present the police with evidence of a package theft after it happens. Look for a system that's capable of taking quality images. You don't want to become a victim of package theft and be unable to identify the criminal because your camera footage is so grainy.
Utilize Remote Lockboxes for Packages
In addition to scheduling home security camera installation, it's also wise to utilize remote lockboxes for your packages. These are dedicated chests or cabinets you can keep on or near your porch to hide your deliveries. Sometimes they're made to look like lockboxes. Other times, they're made to look like some other unassuming décor item.
You can access them remotely with your phone or other smart device to allow delivery drivers to place packages inside them. Leave instructions for your delivery driver when you place your order so they know you want your items left inside a lockbox. If you don't have space for a lockbox, consider sending your Amazon deliveries to a local Amazon locker.
Invest in Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights can be surprisingly effective against porch pirates. No one wants their dishonest deeds to be illuminated for the world to see. If someone's approaching your house to steal a package and they're suddenly lit up by motion-activated floodlights, they might flee the scene. They'll at least be prompted to think twice before grabbing a package off a brightly lit porch.
While motion-activated lights can startle and deter some criminals, they may not be enough to scare others. That's why they're most effective when combined with other security measures, such as security cameras, alarms, and delivery lockboxes.
Select Delivery Times and Request a Signature Release
If you're nervous about package theft statistics in Houston, consider selecting specific delivery times when you place an order online. You can also request a signature release so a delivery driver can't just drop a package off on your doorstep. If you don't immediately see an option for requesting a signature release when placing an order, reach out directly to the seller. Ask them how you can change the delivery instructions.
Another option is to log into your UPS account (if the seller ships via UPS). Navigate to your tracking page once the item you ordered has been shipped. Then, look for an option to only release the shipment with a valid signature. These steps can give you peace of mind that your valuables won't end up in the wrong hands.
Package theft may be on the rise, but that doesn't mean you have to fall victim to it. Installing a home security system is one of the best ways to deter criminals from choosing you as a target. Smart Security Concierge can match you up with some of the best local home security providers based on your Houston zip code. Utilize our services to thwart package thieves and gain greater peace of mind.