Protecting Your Triad Home from "Package Thieves" This Holiday

The holiday season is upon us! All around the Triad area, families are gearing up to celebrate with friends and family, and many are ordering presents online for at-home delivery. In the recent years, online shopping has seen a major surge, and 2017 appears to be no different. In fact, experts predict that this year, holiday e-commerce sales will reach an all-time high of almost $108 billion.

That said, while it's easy to click "order" and wait for your gifts to arrive at your doorstep in two days, it's important to remain vigilant about what happens to those items once they arrive at your home. Though it's not something anyone wants to think about, thieves are hyper-active this time of year, and many local homes are taking a hit.

Known as "package thieves," they tend to focus mainly on front porches. If they see a package lying there unclaimed, they swoop in to snatch it from the unknowing recipient. For many who work away from home during the day, it can be an unnerving feeling, especially when you're expecting a delivery.

Local news station WXII recently ran a story on a particular Washington Heights neighborhood that's been hit especially hard in the past few weeks after a single package thief was caught on camera stealing boxes from several community homes.

While there's rarely a failsafe way to protect your home, your family, and your belongings, there are a few steps you can take to help you breathe a little easier, knowing that you've taken the proper precautions. Moving forward, be sure to keep these tips in mind, even after we ring in the New Year.

1. Befriend your neighbors. One of your best defenses toward preventing a home theft? Having an extra set of eyes that can look out for any suspicious activity on your property. That said, a watchful neighbor or two is an incredible resource to have on your side. You don't necessarily need to throw backyard barbecues together, but it's important to have a clear and open line of communication with them. Especially if you're expecting a valuable delivery, it never hurts to let them know. You can also ask if they'd mind watching the area for you until you get home, to ward off anyone lurking around.

2. Invest in a home security system. Although package thieves don't usually try to break into homes, it's still important to protect both the interior and exterior of your house with a robust security system. Whether you spring for a high-tech one that syncs with your phone or opt for a simplified keypad-controlled one, you'll have your options, and both serve to deter potential robbers from encroaching upon your property.

Traveling during the holidays? Many travelers are choosing to leverage in-suite Wi-Fi security cameras, such as those offered by Sentel Tech, to keep their hotel belongings safe while they're out for the day, protecting them against unwanted disruption by resort staff or others that may enter. Though the two types of systems are different, the basic concept is the same: Surround your property with cameras and alarms so that in the event someone does enter your space unwanted, you'll know about it immediately.

3. Download the Nextdoor App. Winston-Salem Sgt. Catrin Giles said that this popular neighborhood watch app is a great way to share information about local crimes and help community members stay aware of any potential threats. Here, you can watch surveillance footage and chat with locals about any suspicious activity to be aware of. Essentially a private social network, it can prove invaluable as a safe space for you to ask questions, learn about threats, and share important information about anything you've seen.

4. Redirect your packages. Although it might be slightly less convenient, you can make yourself less susceptible to package thieves by changing the way you normally receive deliveries. For instance, you might select the option to require a signature before delivery can be confirmed. This means that no packages will be left at your home unless you're physically there to sign for them. That way, they won't sit outside all day while you're away. You may also decide to have packages insured, so that you can reclaim some or all of their value should a thief steal them. If it's allowed, also consider having packages delivered to your workplace, where they'll come straight to you at your desk, helping you avoid the threat altogether.

Ultimately, as unfortunate as it is, the holidays are simply a more vulnerable time for households, both within the Triad and its surrounding cities. While it should be a celebratory time of giving, it seems that some take advantage of it and use it as a time for taking. This December and beyond, keep your Triad home secure and enjoy the season safely!