NEW YORK (PIX11) – The height of the holiday shopping season is just a few days away as is the height of package theft season.
Each day about 90,000 packages are reported stolen or lost in transit in New York City, according to officials. The NYPD and security companies like ADT have some tips for protecting your packages from porch pirates, especially during the holiday season.
Multiple delivery services such as USPS, Amazon, and UPS offer locker services where you can have your package delivered safely. New York City also has a free pilot program called LockerNYC that residents in Brooklyn and Queens can take advantage of.
If you anticipate someone being home to receive your packages, requiring a signature can help lower the risk of theft.
If package theft is an ongoing problem in your area or apartment building, you can collaborate with your neighbors and discuss being on the lookout for one another’s deliveries. You can ask a trusted neighbor to hold deliveries for you, in exchange for doing the same for them.
After discussing with your management, having packages delivered to your workplace can help ensure they won’t be left out on your doorstep for long periods of time.
While part of the joy of online shopping comes from having your package delivered directly to your doorstep, sometimes picking up in-store can ensure you get your orders safely. This can be especially helpful for more valuable items.
If available, you can opt-in for text or email alerts for the status of your delivery. This can help with planning that someone will be home to receive the package.
Some large retailers and even smaller sellers may replace the package or offer a refund when possible.
If your package was insured you may be able to file a claim with shipping companies like USPS. If the claim is approved, you may be reimbursed for the amount of the item lost.
Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.
