How a Promising Home Hack Is Stopping Porch Pirates Every Time

As the threat of porch piracy continues to rise, many Americans are looking for ways to protect their packages from thieves. In recent years, package delivery boxes have made a surprising comeback as a solution to this problem. These clever devices use smart upgrades and app controls to give you back control over your deliveries.

In a CNET survey, 60% of respondents reported experiencing at least one package theft in the past year, with an average loss of $300. With thieves perfecting their thieving techniques, it's more important than ever to take action against porch pirates. Package delivery boxes are specially designed to prevent these thieves from getting their hands on your packages.

A package lockbox is a dedicated box that sits by your front door and has receptacles for depositing and storing larger packages. They come in many designs and colors, making them easy to blend in with your porch palette. Delivery people secure packages in the box when no one's home to get them, and they stay safe for later retrieval.

But what makes these delivery boxes so effective against porch pirates? The answer lies in their design. Most package lockboxes have a deposit tray or section where people place the package, which is dropped down to a larger compartment secured by a lock. This makes it extremely difficult for thieves to reach in and grab a package.

Other boxes may lock entirely with a keypad, allowing you to give codes to delivery personnel. Some even connect to phone Bluetooth and apps for more control. And if porch pirates can't see a visible package, they're much less likely to try a quick theft anyway.

The Cost and Where to Order

Most high-quality lockboxes cost between $200 and $300. However, you may need to pay a little more for smart features or keypads, which can stay under $400 in most cases. You can find package delivery boxes from brands like Adoorn, home-friendly options from Keter, Merapi's durable versions made to fit inside a wall, Loxx Boxx's smartest delivery boxes, and Yale's particularly smart version.

Delivery boxes can be simple but also come with advanced smart features. Some even have refrigerated compartments specifically for groceries, which is especially important now that online grocery ordering has grown in popularity.

Where to Put a Delivery Box

The best spot for a delivery box is right by your door or where packages are usually dropped off. If delivery people tend to leave packages at the edge of your porch, you may want to put it by your porch steps. Brands like Keter are especially good at creating designs that match your home's siding.

Most brands have a range of colors, so you can find something that matches your home or looks intimidating. However, if you're comfortable with DIY projects, you can make your own package lockbox using weatherproof materials and a design that's not easily accessed by determined porch pirates.

The Benefits and Drawbacks

Package lockboxes are a very old solution to a very modern problem. They offer a secure way to protect packages from porch pirates, but there is one notable downside: delivery people have to use them in the first place. Some people may get frustrated when their delivery person ignores the box and leaves packages by the door as usual.

In these cases, a sign on the box like "PACKAGES HERE" can help. It's essential to understand that package lockboxes are not a foolproof solution, but they can be an effective deterrent against porch piracy.

Preventing Home Theft and Deterring Burglars

For more information on preventing home theft, visit our home security cheat sheet and our guide on deterring burglars before they try anything. See the best options for outdoor cameras and cheap video doorbells to keep your home and packages safe.