Crime is a fact of life. It occurs every single day, all across the U.S. Among the most common crimes are package theft and burglary. FBI statistics from 2019 show that more than 1.1 million burglaries cost American homeowners an average of $2,661 in losses that year. So, how worried are you about package theft and burglary?
A recent survey-based study conducted by Safewise indicates that package theft and burglary are the two most feared crimes among American consumers. That should come as no surprise. Between the prevalence of porch piracy and a steady stream of burglary stories in the news, these two crimes seem to always be in the public eye.
The obvious question on the minds of many is one of prevention. How can consumers protect themselves against porch pirates and burglars? Are there any prevention strategies that offer more than just a false sense of security?
The Home Security Factor
Vivint Smart Home is a nationwide provider of home automation equipment and complete home security packages. They say that numerous studies conducted over the last 20 years indicate that burglars are wary enough of home security systems to avoid them. If given the choice to burglarize one home with a monitored security system as opposed to one without, most burglars would choose the latter.
Burglars tend to avoid homes with monitored security systems for several reasons:
- Video Cameras – The video cameras found in a typical home security system create evidence. They generate footage that can help local police track down a suspect. That same evidence can be used in court.
- Immediate Response – A monitored home security system offers the benefit of immediate response. As soon as a home is breached, monitoring personnel are on the phone with local authorities.
- Increased Attention – When burglar alarms make noise, they draw attention to the victimized house. Burglars do not want attention. They want to get in and out quickly and quietly.
Although installing a home security system does not completely eliminate the risk of burglary, it does tilt the game in the homeowner’s favor. Combined with other defense strategies, a monitored home security system greatly reduces the likelihood of being victimized.
The Porch Piracy Problem
Most instances of package theft go down as porch piracy. A thief simply walks up to a victim’s porch, grabs available packages, and walks away. It is an increasingly common problem as more Americans shop online. But again, what can consumers do about it?
Vivint Smart Home recommends a video doorbell with built-in two-way audio. A video doorbell allows homeowners to see anyone approaching the front door. The built-in two-way audio system allows for real-time communication between homeowner and visitor.
Unfortunately, porch pirates are catching on to the video doorbell. Due to how quickly and quietly porch piracy can be perpetrated, video doorbells do not seem to be slowing down the most committed thieves. Therefore, consumers have to consider other strategies, including:
- arranging for delivery to another location
- utilizing remote delivery lockers
- giving delivery companies access to an inside area of the home.
The risk of parch piracy will continue as long as people buy online and delivery companies leave packages on porches. It is up to consumers and delivery companies to find new ways of transacting business without giving thieves opportunity to steal.
Do you worry about package theft and burglary? If so, you are not alone. They are the two most feared crimes in America. The good news is that you can protect yourself to some degree. You do not have to remain helpless against criminals.