Lockout Tips

It may be hard to believe, but the holiday shopping season is just weeks away. Plus, the last few years have seen a significant increase in package delivery not just during the holiday season. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic response, the popularity of home delivery has grown exponentially.

With the frequency and volume of packages delivery increasing, so will package theft. Here are some steps you can take to thwart the porch pirates and prevent theft of your holiday gifts.

Install a CCTV System

A CCTV system runs 24/7 and all of the components are interconnected. Only you can access the control center of the system. This is a very effective method to watch suspicious activity around your home or business. It’s also effective at catch porch pirates in the act. You will find both commercial and residential systems with a wide variety of options.

For instance, you can choose between wired or wireless cameras. Wired cameras are less likely to have connectivity issues and are more reliable than wireless cameras. The wires also bring power to the cameras as well as a steady signal to connect to the system. However, they are more expensive to install and take more effort. Wireless cameras have less set up and they are easier to place. However, wireless cameras usually require a wifi connection and most likely will run off of battery power. You will need to replace the batteries regularly and if you have issues with connectivity for the internet, you can run into reliability issues.

Install a Smart Lock System

A smart lock system is a solution that enables you to control who enters or exits your home directly through your smartphone. This option can even allow for packages to be delivered inside the residence. Many smart lock systems will send notifications directly to your smartphone regarding who is at your front door. Most systems include a microphone and/or camera system that allows you to verify who is at your door so you can decide who may or may not enter. Using a smart lock system allows you, the owner, to give delivery personnel access to deposit packages inside your residence or business, leaving them out of reach of potential thieves.

Be Watchful When Unloading Gifts from Your Car

Rather than having packages delivered to your door, you can opt to pick them up from the carrier or use something like an Amazon locker. Security experts urge homeowners every holiday season to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times. If you have expensive-looking boxes, packages, or gifts to unload from your car, try to do it in the evening when it’s darker so it’s less obvious to would-be burglars. Since unloading gifts at night could be dangerous, be sure to have someone with you. If you are by yourself, try to park in your garage and unload everything after closing your garage door.

Keep Holiday Gifts Out of Sight

If your tree is next to a window, maybe you could consider another place in your home this year. If you have some other way of displaying holiday gifts, make sure they aren’t visible from any window.

Call 24 HR Lockouts

No matter how you’re planning to improve security for your home or business around the holidays, your first step should always be to call 24 HR Lockouts.