Will you be a victim of Porch Pirates?

Tis the season for… family, friends and of course, shopping!   It is estimated that 20% of all retail shopping is done between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.  This year retailers will continue to lure buyers towards online shopping by offering online only discounts, free shipping, and loyalty program perks.   With a few simple clicks, our family and friends will receive our holiday tokens of love signed, sealed and UPS delivered to their front door.  

​This year consumers will spend over $294 billion on online shopping, with UPS being the primary delivery company.  While UPS offers fast shipments and free tracking, they also take very little care to protect these gifts once they are delivered.  According to UPS, 95% of packages are delivered on the first attempt, but since most UPS drivers don’t wait for the recipient to come to the door, the majority of those packages are left at the doorstep - sometimes even if the recipient is at home!  With $294 billion worth of merchandise just sitting on doorsteps, shopping season is also big business for thieves!
 
Insurancequotes.com reports that 23 million Americans have had packages stolen from their doorsteps. They have dubbed the thieves “porch pirates”. Apparently, the most common tactic for porch pirates is to follow delivery vehicles and grab the packages within minutes of the delivery.  This means your packages could be stolen even if you are at home!
 
Most retailers will replace stolen goods or offer refunds, but that takes time and it doesn’t help if you needed the delivery in time for the holidays.  To help consumers understand the serious nature of porch pirates, police departments across the country are publicly advising residents to purchase doorbell cameras to help deter package theft and to aid local enforcement in catching these criminals. Recent reports from police departments in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Macon and Woodstock, Georgia have shown a decrease in overall neighborhood crime after residents installed home security alarm systems including alarm systems with front door bell cameras and porch CCTV systems. 
 
If you are one of the millions of Americans who enjoy the ease and convenience of online shopping, you shouldn’t be without a security camera at your front door.   Security cameras act as a deterrent to theft by stopping home burglars in their tracks.  Just the presence of a camera can actually prevent your packages from being stolen and if you become a victim of porch pirates, a security camera will provide proof when you file a claim for reimbursement and will help police to catch the thief.  Once a burglar finds success stealing from homes in Atlanta, he will continue stealing until he gets caught. The best defense to prevent crime in Georgia is by installing a security camera. This will not only protect you but will also protect your neighbors and the rest of your community.
 
In addition to providing advanced home security protection that will prevent your packages from being stolen, a door bell camera connects to your phone providing live video feedback and two-way voice communication with anyone at your front door, even when you're not home.  Imagine the piece of mind,  the convenience, and the luxury of sending solicitors away and knowing you home is safe no matter where are.
 
Protecting our friends, family, and community around Atlanta, Georgia is our number one goal.  Crime Fighters of Atlanta provides home & business security product installation including home security alarms, wireless cameras, and advanced CCTV surveillance solutions.  If a front door security camera is right for your home or if you are interested in other security options, CFA Security can assist you with questions, design concepts, and installation.