4 Tips to Prevent Porch Pirates from Pinching Your Packages

As your online shopping heats up, you should be aware of the increasing number of porch pirates stealing holiday packages. This despicable practice can wreak havoc on your holiday celebrations and shopping budget, but there are a number of things you can do to ensure that you aren't a victim: 1. GENERAL: The easiest, and most obvious solution is to require a signature for delivery on all your packages. It may cost a dollar or two more, but it's fool-proof. 2. AMAZON: Did you know that Amazon has delivery facilities called Amazon Locker? You can have your packages delivered there, and Amazon will provide you with a code and and the locker number from which you can retrieve your package. There are several locations throughout San Diego, including one in La Mesa, and many are accessible 24/7. 3. UPS and FedEx: Both services offer an option to sign up for delivery alerts, divert the delivery time or location, and other such options that you can utilize to avoid having them abandon your delivery on your door step. Even if you just request a delivery alert, if it comes when you're out and about, you could call a neighbor and ask them to pick it up until you get home. 4. POSTAL SERVICE: You can arrange to have the post office hold your packages, and you can pick them up when it's convenient for you.