(WWJ) — The holiday shopping season is fast approaching and a new report says more than $76 billion in packages could be vulnerable to porch pirates in the coming months.
That amounts to about $291 worth of merchandise left on the average doorstep, according toCNET money editor Dashia Milden.
With package thefts and porch pirates on the rise, Milden says about 1-in-6 Americans report they’ve already had a package swiped this year. That’s why 71% of adults polled by CNET say they’re taking extra steps to protect their packages.
“Our security experts are saying that package thefts and porch pirates are on the rise and one of the best ways they recommend is essentially putting that plan in place, whether it be a doorbell camera, or even a surveillance camera, even using package (tracking) delivery technology,” she said.
Many Americans — around 50%, according to the CNET poll — plan to leave their homes for anywhere from three hours to three or more days during the holiday season.
“And yes, that does give thieves the opportunity to steal a package that you had sent to your door. That being said, it does create a level of opportunity, but there are ways that you can hopefully eliminate that from happening this holiday season,” Milden said.
Milden says if you know you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, one idea to protect your packages is to ask your neighbors to grab it.
“Maybe see if the carrying service can hold it for you at a location that you can pick it up at later. But more importantly, if you’re having a package delivered, make sure you have a plan to get it off of your doorstep as soon as possible,” Milden said.
“As much as we want to think about the holiday sales and getting ready for the upcoming week, it’s really important to put a plan in place to protect your packages, because a number close to $300 essentially gone in a matter of seconds, it can take you some time to recoup, if ever,” she said.
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