Top Gadgets to Stop Porch Pirates in Their Tracks

Porch Lockboxes
Lockboxes are small safes for your packages. Your parcel is deposited inside, and the box closes and locks on its own. The only people who can then access your parcel are you (or someone with your code). Some even connect with smart homes, and you can access them from afar.

Take the example of the Amazon Key Delivery Box. It has drivers from Amazon drop your packages inside and seals up when they leave. If you don’t feel comfortable trusting drivers with access, devices like the BoxLock Smart Padlock must be scanned with a barcode on a package in order to be opened, and only valid deliveries can be inserted.

This is a fantastic solution if you purchase a lot of merchandise online and don’t wish to be bothered with picking it up straight away. Also, they’re made in different sizes, so you can find one for your regular shipments.

Outdoor Security Cameras
If you’re looking for something more expansive, i.e., covering more space beyond your entrance, then outdoor security cameras are the way. Outdoor security cameras can monitor your yard extensively, record video, and notify you if they detect movement.

Models like the EufyCam 2 Pro, the Arlo Pro 4, and the Blink Outdoor offer quality video, cloud (or for those who want their data private, local) storage, and night vision. Some cameras even offer setting up custom activity zones, where you’re alerted when someone approaches your porch, not when your neighbor’s dog walker passes your house.

Did you know renters insurance may cover stolen packages too? If your residence has renters insurance, report the theft and you can be refunded for the stolen merchandise. Show your police report and video footage, if applicable, in order to support your claim.

Smart Locks and Keypad Entry
If you’re comfortable with sharing access with your residence, smart locks can be a huge timesaver. With them, you can create temporary access codes for your delivery people, and they can leave your parcel inside securely instead of on your doorstep.

The August Smart Lock and the Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt both can be locked and unlocked from a distance. Some of them even connect with such services as Amazon Key, where qualified drivers can leave packages inside your residence or garage.

This solution isn’t for everyone-some people don’t want strangers in their house-but if you’re already supplied with a secure entrance or receiving space, then this can be a real lifesaver.

Package Sensors
Package sensors are a relatively novel tool, but they’re rather nifty. You install a small sensor on your receiving space, and it will tell you when a package has been delivered there—and if someone has tried to take it.

The Yale Smart Delivery Box has built-in sensors, which notify when the top of the box has been opened. There are also stand-alone sensors such as the Package Guard, which can be affixed on your doorstep and will notify you when a package has been stolen.

If you’re someone who keeps refreshing tracking status, then such sensors can be comforting because they’ll tell you exactly when your parcel has been delivered.

Fake Package Traps
Sometimes, the best way to combat porch pirates is to fight fire with fire, i.e. setting a trap. There are prank packages designed to explode with glitter, shriek with a loud alarm, or even spray skunk-scented liquid when opened. These are more of a “pay-back” solution and not exactly a prevention, but they definitely leave a message.

One famous variant of this is the Glitter Bomb Trap created by former NASA engineer Mark Rober. The trap captures the perpetrator’s reaction, sprays them with fart spray and with glitter, and then shares the video for your entertainment.

While these may not be able to retrieve your parcel, they’ll at least make the perpetrator wish they hadn’t—and can even be able to trace them if you report the footage to your local police.

Smart Garage Door Opener

If you’ve got a garage, fitting your garage with a smart garage opener can be a wonderful means of securing your packages. Solutions like the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub enable you to leave your garage door open for a delivery driver and then close it when they’ve left.

Final Thoughts
There’s no single best solution for discouraging porch pirates, and what works for your house and your comfort point depends on your preference. If you’re looking for easy and low-effort, a smart lockbox or a package sensor can be your best solution. If you’re more of a take-charge, take-names solution, security cameras and video doorbells can be your best solution for catching them in the act. And hey, if you’re up for being adventurous, setting up a glitter bomb may be the greatest video of revenge. Either way, with the right gadgets, you can take matters into your own hands and end porch pirates’ thieving ways once and for all.