6 Ways to Prevent Package Theft in Apartments

 

 

With the rise of online shopping, package theft has become a significant issue affecting apartment buildings and commercial businesses alike. Every year, countless individuals experience the frustration of lost or stolen packages, a common issue often referred to as “porch piracy.” So, you need an effective package delivery system to prevent theft and keep your residents’ deliveries safe.

Read on to learn more about the pervasiveness of package theft and what you can do to combat it. We’ll also explore the best package theft solutions for apartment buildings.

In this post, we cover:

• What is a porch pirate?
• How common is package theft?
• 6 tips on how to prevent package theft in apartments
• Prevent package theft with ButterflyMX
• Package theft FAQs

 

 

What is a porch pirate?

A porch pirate is someone who steals packages from porches or doorsteps of single-family or multifamily properties.

Porch piracy is the act of stealing packages that haven’t yet been picked up by the intended recipient. It most often occurs after delivery, when parcels are left unattended. That said, it can also occur at other stages of the shipping and delivery process. Porch pirates target single-family homes and from stoops or lobbies of apartment buildings.

 

How common is package theft?

In 2024, package theft continues to be a significant concern across the United States. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service package theft report, there has been a 139% increase in reports of high-volume mail theft from mail receptacles between 2019 and 2023, with reports rising from 20,574 in 2019 to 49,146 in 2023.

This surge underscores the growing need for effective package theft prevention strategies.

As online shopping increases, so does the prevalence of porch piracy. To combat this, multifamily properties can integrate package delivery solutions for residents.

According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, research has revealed the rampancy of package theft:

• In the six months following FinCEN’s 2023 alert on mail theft-related check fraud, financial institutions reported over $688 million in suspicious activity linked to such fraud.
• A significant number of Americans express concern about the potential theft of their packages, highlighting the need for effective preventive measures.
• While specific figures vary, the average value of stolen packages is estimated to be around $50, emphasizing the cumulative financial impact on consumers.

 

 

6 tips on how to prevent package theft in apartments

The U.S. Census Bureau announced that retail e-commerce sales in the second quarter of 2024 reached an estimated $291.6 billion. To illustrate, this is a 1.3% increase from the first quarter of 2024, after adjusting for seasonal differences.This growth reflects the rising trend of online shopping among Americans.

With that said, these package theft statistics highlight the need for a reliable way to store residents’ parcels. By investing in package theft prevention solutions, you’ll enhance the resident experience, boost retention rates, and provide peace of mind for your residents.

The top six package theft solutions for apartment buildings are:

1. Install a video intercom system
2. Invest in a package room
3. Install security cameras
4. Use a package theft prevention box
5. Schedule deliveries for when you’re home
6. Require a signature for delivery

 

1. Install a video intercom system

The best way to prevent package theft is to ensure that packages are left inside the building, not outside on the stoop. So, you’ll need a way to get delivery carriers through the front door.

The best property access solution for couriers is a video intercom system. With a cloud-based infrastructure, video intercoms allow property managers to grant independent access to major couriers with delivery PINs. Additionally, you should consider an intercom with a wide-angle camera that takes time- and date-stamped photos of every entry event for added security.

Benefits of a video intercom include:

• Independent access. Couriers can access the building without assistance, allowing them to leave packages inside, away from porch pirates.
• Built-in directory. In the event that the courier is a different driver and doesn’t know the PIN code, they can use the built-in directory to request access from the resident. In turn, the call goes directly to the resident’s phone, letting them grant access from anywhere.
• Delivery passes. Residents can empower delivery drivers to enter the property with a delivery pass. Delivery passes are single-use, six-digit codes residents can paste into the delivery instructions of their order. That way, their delivery driver can access the property without requesting access.

 

Learn how to manage delivery PINs with ButterflyMX:

 

2. Invest in a package room

Even if you’ve installed a video intercom at the front door, your building could still be susceptible to package theft. Without a secure place to store packages, couriers must leave parcels in a vestibule or lobby. That’s better than the front porch, but it’s not as secure as it could be.

So, you should also invest in a package room. Having a delivery management solution will free up time for property staff while ensuring packages are dropped off in a secure spot for residents to pick them up.

When a courier arrives at the package room, they use their delivery PIN to enter the room and select which residents have received packages. Then, they simply leave packages on the shelves for residents to collect. Afterward, residents get an automated notification when they’ve received a package. Most importantly, residents can access the room 24/7 to retrieve their deliveries.

 

3. Install security cameras

Even if you have a video intercom system and a package management solution, security cameras are an effective way of deterring porch pirates.

Security cameras are effective in two ways:

1. Deterring thieves. Sometimes, knowing they’re being filmed is enough to deter porch pirates.
2. Catching package thieves. In the event that package theft does occur, strategically placing sec

Install security cameras in at least two places: at the building’s front entrance and within the package room. Having video monitoring at these key points will help you catch anyone taking a package that isn’t theirs.

 

4. Use a package theft prevention box

Investing in a secure package theft box or package locker is an effective way to protect deliveries. These lock boxes are designed to be secure yet accessible for delivery personnel, offering an added layer of security against porch pirates.

However, when choosing between a package locker or package room, a package room is a more robust solution because they can fit large and oddly shaped parcels that won’t fit in a lockbox.

 

5. Schedule deliveries for when you’re home

If your schedule allows, try arranging deliveries when someone is home. Many carriers, including USPS and FedEx, offer flexible delivery times to help prevent unattended packages.

By selecting a convenient delivery time, you can reduce the likelihood of your package sitting unattended on the doorstep. Additionally, some carriers provide notifications or tracking apps that allow you to monitor the delivery’s progress, helping you prepare to bring it inside as soon as it arrives.

 

6. Require a signature for delivery

Requiring a signature ensures the package won’t be left unattended. While this might add a step to your delivery process, it’s one of the most straightforward package theft solutions for high-value items.

Most carriers offer this option for a small fee, and some even allow you to adjust delivery preferences online after your package is in transit. While requiring a signature may take an extra step, it can provide peace of mind, knowing your package is securely delivered directly into your hands.

 

Prevent package theft with ButterflyMX

The best way to prevent package theft is with a ButterflyMX Package Room. The ButterflyMX Package Room makes it easy to manage deliveries in apartments, ensure successful deliveries, and prevent package theft.

Here are the benefits of choosing ButterflyMX to manage package deliveries:

• Simple property access and delivery for couriers and residents.
• Time- and date-stamped photos of every courier who enters the Package Room.
• Automatic notifications — either a push notification through the mobile app or a text message/email — are sent to residents upon receiving packages.
• Delivery PINs and passes for streamlined deliveries.
• Easy and affordable installation.

With more than 40,000 five-star reviews and 15,000 installations, ButterflyMX is a top-rated, cloud-based access control provider you can trust. Prevent package theft, delight your residents, and make access simple with ButterflyMX.

 

Discover ButterflyMX’s package management solutions:

 

Package theft FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about package theft:

• Is Amazon package theft a felony?
• What can you do if someone steals your package?
• How serious is package theft?
• Who is liable if a package is stolen?

 

Is Amazon package theft a felony?

Stealing a package may be a felony, depending on the state.

Currently, there are eight states that have a package theft penalty and classify stealing a package as a felony:

• Texas
• Michigan
• Oklahoma
• Arkansas
• Tennessee
• Georgia
• New Jersey
• Kentucky

 

What can you do if someone steals your package?

If someone steals your package after it is delivered, you should:

• File a police report. It’s vital to record what happened to your package with the police department — despite it having little effect. Unless your property or neighborhood is experiencing severe package theft, the police likely won’t investigate any further. Regardless, if you have video or photos of the theft, give them to the police to potentially prompt an investigation.
• Contact the seller. Reach out to the seller about the stolen package. Many online retailers, such as Amazon, will refund you almost instantly. However, the seller’s policy will determine how to get a refund or replacement if possible.
• File a claim with the shipping company. Some sellers require you to file a claim with the shipping company before moving forward. While it may not be required, it’s important to contact the delivery service for any potential assistance they may provide.
• Contact property management. If you live in an apartment building or rental property, it’s beneficial to bring the package theft to the attention of the owner or property management. In turn, the property is more likely to implement a package delivery solution — especially if other residents are also experiencing package theft.

 

How serious is package theft?

Package theft is considered a crime, but the charges depend on state and federal laws. For instance, stealing USPS mail or packages is a federal felony. Conversely, stealing other types of packages is considered a misdemeanor in most states.

 

Who is liable if a package is stolen?

Unfortunately, there are no laws that place the responsibility for stolen packages. After all, pinning who is liable for stolen packages is complex as it involves multiple parties: the seller, the shipping company, and the consumer.
With that said, it’s best you refer to the shipping company’s policy and contact the seller for possible assistance.

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