Lockout Tips

The last few years have seen a considerable increase in package delivery around the holiday season. The increase in popularity of online shopping was already contributing to this, but it has skyrocketed since the increase in online shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the frequency and volume of packages delivery increasing, so will package theft and porch pirates. Here are some steps you can take to reduce and prevent theft of your online orders.

Install a Smart Lock System

A smart lock system is an easy solution for homeowners to have ultimate control over who can enter or exit their home, directly from their 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. Guests can even call the owner right from the lock! Often, a microphone and/or camera system allows the owner to verify the guest at their 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 porch pirates.

Install a CCTV System

These systems can run 24/7 and all of the elements (wires, cameras, and computers) are connected to each other. No one can access the footage unless they have access to the control center of the system. This is an efficient way to determine if there was any suspicious activity around your business or even to see if someone stole a package from your front porch at home. There are systems available for both commercial and residential use, but you will find a variety of options in each category.

For instance, you can choose between wired or wireless cameras. The benefit of wired cameras is that they 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. But the downside is that installing the wires will be timely and costly. Sometimes you will have to thread them underground or in walls for a long distance. Wireless cameras can be beneficial because there is 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.

Be Mindful When Unloading Packages

Avoid having packages delivered unless you will be home. Instead, you should opt to pick them up from the carrier. 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. This increased privacy could make a huge difference in your holiday outcome.

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 for an assessment of your home security. Let us help you pinpoint the ways you can improve the safety of your home.