Protect Your Holiday Packages From Porch Pirates

November 23rd, 2023



With the holidays fast approaching, we’re all gearing up for the season of giving. For many Chico residents that means sending and receiving packages to and from friends and family around the country. It also means a lot of online shopping to take advantage of Cyber Monday deals and find the perfect small business to get that special item the recipient will love. Unfortunately, not everyone shares in the spirit of giving, but instead uses the holidays as an opportunity to steal even from your own porch. People stealing packages are called Porch Pirates and they are on the rise.

 

What Are Porch Pirates?

Porch pirates are criminals who drive around Chico neighborhoods looking for unguarded packages. These packages are usually sitting on the front porch, thus why they are called “Porch Pirates.” Once they see a package, they will, in broad daylight, steal the package. This is a huge problem for homeowners. Oftentimes these packages contain high value items like electronics or jewelry. However, sometimes packages vital things like pharmaceuticals or medical devices. So it is imperative that homeowners put together a strategy to prevent porch pirates.

 

Three Tips To Keep Your Packages Safe

There are several things you can do to reduce your chance of being targeted by porch pirates including:

 

  1. Install a doorbell camera so you can monitor when packages arrive. That way you can retrieve your packages before they can be targeted by thieves.
  2. Have your packages delivered to your workplace that way you don’t have to worry about being home for deliveries. You can also have packages delivered to the delivery carrier’s office and pick it up there.
  3. You can purchase a package safe and instruct delivery drivers to deposit your packages into the safe.

 

These strategies will all help reduce your chance of having your packages stolen by porch pirates.

 

Why A Doorbell Camera Is Your Best Option

Of the three options, installing a doorbell camera is the best way to protect your home from porch pirates. A doorbell camera uses a combination of sensors, remote monitoring, and a surveillance camera to monitor your porch. Whenever there is activity on your porch, you will get a notification on your phone. Then you can log into the app and watch a live stream. This will let you know when packages arrive, so you can get them to safety. Also, if a porch pirate beats you to your package, you will have captured their identity on camera and can provide footage to Chico law enforcement so they can be caught.

 

A doorbell camera can make sure that your holidays aren’t stolen by porch pirates. To get started, talk to a security professional about your options. They’ll go over the features, installation, and how to operate the system. They’ll also answer any questions you have about the doorbell camera. Working with a professional will ensure that you get the best system for your needs to stop porch pirates for good.

 

 

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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