How to keep packages safe

Porch pirates are busy this time of year plundering packages as quickly as they are being delivered.

Thieves follow Amazon drivers around and then move in to grab the goods, as noted by Boynton Beach police. The agency gave a shoutout to an Amazon delivery driver who foiled a package theft over Black Friday weekend.

That happy ending was unusual. Most packages that get pinched leave victims waiting and wondering about online orders that never arrive.

Package theft is a growing problem that will only get worse as online shopping grows by great leaps each year, especially during the holidays when package deliveries spike.

The U.S. Postal Service projects it will make 800 million deliveries between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to a news release. Amazon, UPS and FedEx ship hundreds of millions of parcels daily.

No wonder nearly 36 percent of Americans have had packages stolen from their front porch in the past year, according to a new study by C+R Research.

Homeowners can install pricey video security systems or employ other high-tech solutions such as Amazon Key or Walmart InHome Delivery entry devices that allow access inside homes. But there is the cost and a fear of technology that prevents many from using these options.

No need. There are several simple, low-tech ways to safeguard package deliveries.

1. Amazon Hub Locker. Have Amazon packages left at secure locations. Locker locations can be found when selecting a shipping address during checkout. Also, choose your delivery day so you can pick everything up at once with Amazon Day. Go to Amazon.com/Hub to find a locker.

2. Ask the post office to hold packages. Use this feature when receiving and sending packages through the postal service. When shipping packages, opt for the “Hold for Pickup” option, and recipients can collect packages at their local post office. If you are expecting a package, you can redirect it to be held for you using the Intercept a Package feature at USPS.com and click on the Track & Manage tab at the top of the page.

3. Customize delivery times. Get deliveries on your schedule. UPS’ My Choice at UPS.com allows customers to have packages delivered to a neighbor or delivery point for free. FedEx Delivery Manager at FedEx.com under the Tracking tab allows directing packages for pickup at FedEx locations or Walgreens stores, or opt for a new delivery location. Bring tracking numbers and ID.

4. Opt for alerts. Track packages so you’ll know when they are arriving and can be home to receive them or alert a friend or neighbor to pick up deliveries as soon as they arrive.

5. Have packages delivered to a “neighbor’s” house. Send packages to a nearby home or store through eNeighbr.com. The app-based service connects shoppers with verified local homeowners and stores who receive and safeguard deliveries. Everyone gets notified through the app when a package arrives. Then, give a secret release code to get the goods. Try the service for free for 30 days. After that, it’s $2.50 a package. Hosts make $3.50 per package. Packages are insured by the company up to

$300.

6. Ship to store. This convenient, free, service is offered by most retailers. Or, opt to have packages delivered to your office.

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