'Tis The Season.....For Thieves

SeaBreeze

SeaBreeze

Endlessly Groovin'
Location
USA
Every year around the holidays I hear stories on the news of packages people receive by mail being stolen from their porches or front steps. I recently had two packages delivered on two separate days. They were left on my front step, and we were only gone less than 2 hours. Didn't have a problem, they were there untouched. I don't remember ever having something stolen from the front of my house.

These days, if I was still working and expected something of value, I might ask a neighbor to look out for it and take it in until I came home from work, but years ago I never really worried about such things.

Have you ever had a package delivered and stolen? Were you able to make yourself whole through insurance or something?
 

There is a Whole Foods close to me that just installed Amazon Lockers so if I do order anything from Amazon and plan on being out when the delivery is made I will have the items sent to the lockers instead.
 
In my apartment complex the USPS and the FedEx leave packages outside of our doors, the UPS leaves a note and puts you through hell to get your package!!!

I've been here for about 7 years and have had no problems with packages being left unattended.

IMO it's sort of a random thing, you never know when the Grinch will appear.

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There's been a segment on local news about front porch package thieves already this season and some folks are fighting back by making legit looking packages filled with dirty diapers, dog poop, litter box contents etc and putting them on their front porches.......I'd like to have a hidden camera to see the expression on the thief's face when he gets home and opens the package. ;) ;)box.jpg
 
Our mailman leaves any packages that won't fit in the mailbox in one of the cars or the shed. All you have to do is ask.
(It also helps to show your carrier respect and leave a decent Christmas tip)
 
SeaBreeze said:
Every year around the holidays I hear stories on the news of packages people receive by mail being stolen from their porches or front steps. I recently had two packages delivered on two separate days. They were left on my front step, and we were only gone less than 2 hours. Didn't have a problem, they were there untouched. I don't remember ever having something stolen from the front of my house.

These days, if I was still working and expected something of value, I might ask a neighbor to look out for it and take it in until I came home from work, but years ago I never really worried about such things.

Have you ever had a package delivered and stolen? Were you able to make yourself whole through insurance or something?
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Insurance would cover what's left after the deductible.

When I was an adjuster, a claim was filed for Christmas gifts stolen from the insured's car trunk at the mall. The police took a report.

The next day, the man called me back and said his wife had unloaded the trunk and hid all the gifts in a closet-without his knowledge, then left the house. He didn't know until she came back home.
 
We've had packages delivered for years, and many times left on the porches, both front and back. Never had one stolen yet (Course there's always a first time). Our porch railing are solid and shingled and they will place the box to one side so it's not visible from the street. It also helps that there's usually at least one of the family cars in the drive which makes it appear that someone's home.
 
I never worried until a few years ago. Then things happened in the neighborhood that really worried me. Now if I order something to be delivered if I don't know if I will be home I'll have the item sent to my Daughter's house or my Son's if I know someone will be home.
 
I agree with Aunt Bea. UPS used to refuse to leave a package if you weren't home. One time I went to the warehouse the next day to pick one up that couldn't be delivered, and when I got there it was already out for second delivery, and so I missed that delivery too! Two trips to get it. I was glad when they relaxed that restriction. It seems to be up to the driver now, at least here.

As far as I can remember there is only possibly one package that ever disappeared. It was an oil lamp from an eBay auction. I won it at a ridiculously low price, and sent the money, but it never came. I kind of speculate the seller got a better offer later and never sent it to me. He was very happy to return my money, no questions asked. I can't say that I blame him. LOL!
 
Never had a package stolen from my porch (I watch for them when I know they are coming), but I did have a credit card stolen out of my mailbox, and years ago a package stolen out of my car. It was a big box of junk headed for the dump. HAHAHA! Saved me a trip.
 
UPS will leave packages unless the shipper has said otherwise. I've set up a place in my courtyard where all of the package delivery services know to come in and leave things. I've never had anything stolen.

I lived on a horse ranch a number of years ago, and FedEx would not open our gate and drive inside. A couple of times I was leaving and saw I had packages propped against the fence next to the road. Amazingly enough, they weren't taken.
 
At our complex we have package mailboxes. UPS is kind enough to put my packages on my enclosed patio. I got a package from Amazon delivered on Thanksgiving day delivered by the post office. Did not expect it for another 2 days but got email saying it had been delivered to door and it was there.
 
When I came out to take my walk this morning, it was still dark out, there was a package setting on my front step. We were up until 10 last night and it wasn’t there then. I’m surprised it was still there this morning. And who the heck delivers after 10 o,clock?
 
In 10 yrs I've only had 1 pkg stolen or missing. I got a refund from the retailer and didn't bother re-ordering.

However, I love the stories about people putting "decoy" packages out for thieves....containing garbage, a nasty note, or......worse. (use your imagination). I've actually been tempted to fix a "special" box, wrap it, affix a phoney label, and wait to see what happens!!!!! :lofl: :lol1:

I like this story. Yay! A Bengal cat "helps" out! :laugh:

http://wkrn.com/2016/12/08/albuquerque-woman-leaves-decoy-package-for-porch-pirates/
 
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I've never heard of this where I live. My driveway is more than a half mile long and I live twenty miles from town which I'm sure helps, but the major reason is that we just don't have thieves where I live.

I commonly get deliveries after dark, particularly from UPS. I've had them as late as 11:00.
 
I did it! Put out a "decoy" package for porch pirates.

Medium size box, made sure to tear off label with my name, address, and any tracking info.

Filled the box with scoops from kitty litter box, a smelly onion that needed to be thrown out, empty tuna can, used tissue & paper towels, a dirty cleaning rag. and a typed note:

"It's really pathetic that some people have to choose a career as a PORCH PIRATE.
by the way, neighbors are watching and most likely have your license plate number.
Merry Christmas, loser." :)

I typed a phoney label & return address label from a store I made up. Used packing tape to make it look real. I put the box outside front door on the stoop a couple hours ago.

:lol1:
 
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