Combatting Porch Piracy: Safeguarding Your Packages in the Summer

The convenience of online shopping has revolutionized the way we shop, offering a wide array of products delivered straight to our doorsteps. However, this convenience comes with a growing concern: porch piracy. With the rise of package theft during the summer months, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks and take proactive steps to protect their valuable deliveries.

A recent survey provides insights into consumer concerns around porch privacy and preferences regarding how to address them. In this article, we will explore the key findings of the study and outline measures consumers can take to safeguard their packages.

According to the survey, an alarming 47% of surveyed consumers have experienced or heard about a surge in package theft over the past year. Millennials, in particular, have been the most affected group, with a staggering 54% of millennial-surveyed consumers reporting incidents or word of porch piracy. These statistics highlight the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat this issue.

Shielding Your Vacation Packages

Among the top concerns expressed by surveyed consumers regarding their online shopping orders this summer, the fear of not being home to receive packages due to increased travel ranks high. Unattended packages become easy targets for opportunistic thieves, creating a frustrating and negative experience for customers.  Additionally, businesses may bear the burden of managing claims and replacing lost items, resulting in wasted time and resources that could have been better utilized in serving their customers.

The Impact of Amazon Prime Day

Amazon Prime Day has emerged as a significant online shopping event, attracting a vast number of consumers. With 55% of respondents planning to shop on this day, and 70% of those respondents being millennial, the volume of deliveries increases substantially, making it an opportune time for porch pirates. This necessitates a heightened focus on package security during this popular shopping holiday.

Consumer Shopping Behaviors

The survey reveals that 59% of surveyed consumers plan to buy retail items online and have them delivered to their homes during the summer months. This includes a significant portion of respondents, 36%, who intend to purchase perishables and electronics, indicating the potential high value and vulnerability associated with these deliveries. Considering these plans, it is crucial to implement robust protective measures for these types of goods.

Notably, a majority of surveyed consumers, 54%, express willingness to purchase shipping insurance if the cost is low, while 43% would consider insurance based on package value. These insights underscore the growing awareness among surveyed consumers about the importance of securing their deliveries and the potential demand for affordable and tailored shipping insurance options.

Exploring Differentiated Delivery Options

To address the concerns of summer travel and theft, 55% of surveyed consumers express interest in trying differentiated delivery options. Among the preferred choices, delivery to a nearby secure pickup location emerges as the most popular option, with 38% of respondents in favor. Furthermore, the survey highlights that 33% of surveyed consumers desire delivery on a pre-selected day or within a specific time window, showcasing their preference for convenient and customizable delivery options. These alternatives provide added security and flexibility, reducing the chances of porch piracy.

So, what are some proactive measures to take to help combat porch piracy, both in the summer and throughout the rest of the year?

• Schedule Deliveries: Utilize delivery scheduling options to ensure packages arrive when you’re at home to receive them.
• Use Secure Delivery Locations: Consider designating a secure spot on your property, such as a locked box or a hidden area, where packages can be safely placed.
• Opt for In-Store Pickup: Choose to pick up your purchases from a nearby access point, especially when you anticipate being away during delivery times.
• Install Security Measures: Invest in a video doorbell, outdoor cameras, or home security systems to deter potential thieves and provide evidence in case of theft.
• Request Signature Confirmation: Require a signature upon delivery to ensure packages are received directly by you or a trusted individual.
• Track Packages: Stay informed about delivery progress through tracking services, enabling you to plan accordingly and minimize the time packages spend unattended.

As porch piracy continues to pose a significant threat during the summer months, it is essential for both consumers and businesses to take proactive steps to protect packages. By understanding the prevalence of package theft, recognizing consumer concerns, and implementing effective protective measures, individuals and businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to porch piracy.

For businesses, taking these proactive steps not only ensures the best shipping experience for their customers but, if they use shipping insurance, also protects their bottom line in the event of porch-pirated theft. Safeguarding packages is not only crucial for customer satisfaction but also for maintaining the reputation and profitability of businesses in the face of growing package theft risks.

Ensure the safety of your packages today with InsureShield^® Shipping Insurance, offering comprehensive protection against porch pirates. Or, speak to our representatives to explore how you can benefit from a combined solution of shipping insurance and DeliveryDefense™ data, providing proactive protection for your packages even before a label is generated.

Insurance coverage is offered through UPS Capital Insurance Agency, Inc., a licensed insurance producer. All descriptions or illustrations of coverage are provided for general informational purposes only and do not in any way alter or amend the terms, conditions, or exclusions of any insurance policy or program.  Insurance coverage is not available in all jurisdictions or to all customers.