Ways to keep your packages safe from porch pirates ahead of Prime Day deliveries

WILBRAHAM, Mass. (WWLP) – Amazon’s Prime Day deals have come to an end and packages should be arriving.

According to Wilbraham police, porch pirates are already on the prowl for the busy delivery days. The Wilbraham police posted on Facebook about one theft in particular that happened on Monson Road around noon Wednesday. They say the alleged thief grabbed a package within minutes of its delivery.

In the comments, people from the area said they were having similar issues. Now police are reminding people to make plans for package deliveries, especially for expensive items. If you can, try to track their delivery and arrange for you or a loved one to be home to take them in when they’re delivered.

If you can’t be there, it’s a good idea to get packages delivered to a locker or a P.O. Box or even leave instructions for the delivery person to stow them away in a safer, less visible location.

To avoid being victimized, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service recommends not letting incoming or outgoing mail sit in your mailbox.

• Track packages. Ask for a tracking number to know when your package is delivered. Track your packages and try to be home at the time of delivery. When placing an order, if possible, try to schedule shipment for a day you expect to be home.
• Require a signature. Requesting a signature for delivery. This should ensure the package won’t be left at your door without you there to sign and bring it safely inside.
• Deliver to alternate home or workplace. Have your packages delivered somewhere else. If you know you won’t be home when your package will be delivered, FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS) tell you to opt for delivering it to a neighbor who is home or to your workplace.
• Consider a package receiving service. Another option is to deliver your packages to a retail store or locker, where they’ll stay safe until you can pick them up at your convenience. Many retailers will let you place online orders and then pick up your items in the store. You can also look into the Amazon Locker service, which delivers Amazon orders to a “locker” in your area; you’re provided a pickup code that will unlock the door for you.
• Ship to store. UPS suggests signing up for a service called “UPS My Choice,” which allows users to request their packages to be held at a UPS store for pick-up and more. You can control the service through text or email; it includes features such as delivery notices and the option to re-route your packages to a different address if you won’t be home. You can also re-route your packages using the FedEx Delivery Manager.
• Use a security camera. Security cameras pointing at your front door, hallway, or driveway are better than no camera at all. A security camera will serve as a great deterrent for criminals, and it helps to prevent package theft.

If you believe your package has been stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on which delivery service you use, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses.

Local News

Massachusetts firefighters sent to help Montana wildfires

Belchertown police implement body cameras

CT driver arrested after leading police on chase through Massachusetts

“That’s a big one,” Greenfield resident catches bear near birdfeeder

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.