Everyone knows the story of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Today, there are plenty of opportunists following in the Grinch’s green footsteps, with package theft on the rise around the country. An estimated 23 million Americans have been the victim of package theft.
The problem worsens during the holiday season, as “porch grinches” or porch pirates, snatch just-delivered packages right off the doorstep in broad daylight.
Here in Central Ohio, package theft has been striking Columbus neighborhoods with some frequency. Even gated communities have not been immune; dishonest people can exist in any crowd.
Package theft is a crime of opportunity. The perpetrators watch for delivery trucks and follow them, stealing packages within moments of delivery. They escape on foot, on bicycles and in cars. They are undeterred by security cameras. They aren’t too worried whether you’re home or not; they only need a few seconds to grab your goods and run.
To help you protect yourself against package theft, we’re sharing tips we’ve gathered from media outlets in Central Ohio and beyond:
Insure the packages you ship to friends and family. The few dollars of cost are well worth the protection.
Before shipping gifts to friends and family, ask them about the best time and place to have a package delivered. It may spoil the surprise a little, but it’s better than no gift at all!
Require a signature for all deliveries. If you anticipate that you won’t be home for a delivery, use an alternate address, such as your place of employment (if permitted) or a neighbor’s home.
You can create online authorization to allow the U.S. Postal Service to leave deliveries at a back door, or with a neighbor. Create an account at USPS.com and enter the package tracking number to see if it’s eligible. Deliveries can also be held for pickup at a post office.
FedEx and UPS offer alternatives as well. With FedEx Delivery Manager, you can customize delivery times and addresses. You can have your packages held at a FedEx location, sign for your delivery in advance, and provide specific delivery location instructions. You can sign up for free, but FedEx charges a fee for certain services.
If you suspect a package has been stolen, file a police report. Then contact the shipper to report the theft so that they can file an insurance claim and send a replacement package.
Do not confront a package thief if you catch him in the act. While package theft is generally a non-violent crime, you never know who you’re dealing with.
With a little planning, you can thwart package thieves and keep your gift-giving on track!
With even more planning, you can buy a Central Ohio home! As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
