Online shopping has made life more convenient than ever, but it has also created a modern headache: package theft.
Known as “porch piracy,” this crime has exploded across the United States in recent years. In 2024 alone, an estimated $12 billion worth of packages were stolen from porches, doorsteps, and mailrooms. Each stolen package had an average value of about $204, a painful loss when you consider that most thefts are never resolved and replacements come out of the consumer’s pocket.
For homeowners and renters, the question shouldn’t be “Will it happen to me?” but “How can I stop it from happening?”
Common Ways to Protect Against Porch Piracy
Here are some common strategies to protect packages:
1. Schedule Shipments for When You’re Home
One of the simplest package theft solutions is to coordinate delivery times with your availability. Some carriers let you select a delivery window or require a signature.
Still, life rarely aligns perfectly with these schedules. Work, errands, or unexpected delays often mean the delivery still ends up sitting outside. Not only is this inconvenient, but missed deliveries can create a cycle of rescheduling that frustrates both the customer and the carrier.
2. Install a Doorbell Camera
Video doorbells and surveillance cameras are popular deterrents. They capture footage of the thief and sometimes even alert you in real time. But here’s the hard truth: most porch pirates move quickly, and even when caught on camera, police rarely recover the goods. A video clip can provide evidence, but it doesn’t prevent the package from being taken in the first place.
3. Ask Neighbors to Bring Packages Inside
Community trust can be a powerful defense. Some people rely on neighbors or nearby friends to grab their packages when they’re not home. While this method often works in close-knit neighborhoods, it isn’t reliable. It assumes your neighbor is around, willing, and able to play courier for you. For those living in apartments or newer communities where people don’t know each other well, this solution isn’t always practical.
4. Ship Packages to Alternate Locations
Another strategy is to ship packages to your workplace, a locker, or a designated pickup point such as an Amazon Hub or UPS Store. While this keeps deliveries secure, it often means going out of your way to retrieve them, defeating the very convenience of home delivery. Large or frequent orders can make this option especially burdensome.
5. Grant Home Access to Delivery Services
Some companies experiment with allowing couriers to place packages directly inside your home using smart access tools. While this prevents porch theft, it raises obvious safety concerns. Many people feel uncomfortable giving strangers access to their home.
In general, while these package theft solutions offer some level of protection, each comes with limitations. That’s where smart locks come in and bridge the gap.
How a Smart Lock Can Help
1. Temporary Codes
Smart locks can generate one-time or time-limited codes for deliveries. Instead of leaving a package outside or giving permanent access, you can provide the courier or your neighbor with a temporary passcode that grants entry to your doorway, mudroom, or package drop zone.
2. Real-Time Alerts
Whenever the smart lock is accessed, you receive a notification on your phone. This means you know exactly when the package was delivered inside the house and whether the door was securely locked afterward. These alerts provide both accountability and reassurance.
3. Remote Control
If you prefer not to use codes, you can remotely unlock the door from your smartphone when the courier arrives. Many delivery services send text or app alerts a few minutes before arrival, giving you time to unlock the door for the driver and then relock it immediately after.
4. Remote Monitoring
Smart locks allow you to check the lock’s status anytime, anywhere. Through the mobile app, you can instantly confirm whether the door is locked or unlocked, and review an activity log showing who accessed it and when.
Smart Locks: More Than Just Package Protection
Studies show that 42% of Americans admit they sometimes leave their doors unlocked while at home. Even more concerning, 15% admit to doing so when they are away. This habit significantly increases the risk of both package and home theft.
The problem is simple: humans are forgetful. In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to forget whether you locked the door. Smart locks solve this issue with auto-locking features. The door secures itself after you close it so there’s no need to double-check or rely on memory. Some models also allow you to set custom timers. This small change can dramatically reduce risks while also giving peace of mind.
DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock for Package and Home Security
If you’re considering a smart lock to protect your deliveries and home, the DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock is a reliable option. It’s designed with homeowners in mind, offering both advanced security features and user-friendly convenience.
Here’s what makes it a strong choice:
1. Remote Access and Control
The D110 Plus Smart Lock can be unlocked remotely via the mobile app, giving you full control even when you’re away. If a delivery driver arrives, they can press and hold the menu button to send a request, which you can approve instantly from your phone.
2. Real-Time Updates
Automatic notifications keep you informed of every access attempt. You’ll know immediately when the door is locked, unlocked, or if a request is made—so you always stay in control of your home’s entry.
3. Clear, Intuitive Display
A 0.96-inch screen provides an easy-to-read, visual interface. The simple, straightforward menu makes settings and operations quick, accurate, and hassle-free.
4. User-Friendly for All Ages
With both the mobile app and the local display, this smart door lock for home is designed for everyone in the household. From children to elderly family members, each user can choose the unlocking method that feels most comfortable.
5. Customizable Auto-Locking
Never worry about forgetting to lock the door again since the D110 Plus does it for you automatically. You can set the auto-lock timer anywhere between 5 and 120 seconds after the door closes, ensuring security that adapts to your lifestyle.
Conclusion
Package theft is a modern problem that demands modern package theft solutions. A smart lock prevents theft before it happens by allowing deliveries to be placed securely inside your home without compromising safety. The DESLOC D110 Plus Smart Lock offers a perfect balance of convenience, security, and technology. It is certainly a smart investment for your home in 2025 and beyond.
