Ancient Lockbox: A Time-Tested Solution to Modern Porch Piracy

Porch pirates, who steal recently delivered packages, have become a significant problem, with a 2024 survey revealing that 17% of respondents had a package stolen in the last three months. While video doorbells with package AI detection offer some protection, they are not always effective as many porch pirates either don’t notice or simply ignore them.

Enter the package lockbox, an old solution to this modern problem. These delivery lockboxes, about the size of a trash bin, sit by your front door and are designed to manage larger items posted through the mail. Delivery people secure packages in the box when no one’s home, keeping them safe for later retrieval.

These lockboxes typically have a deposit tray or section where the package is placed, which then drops down to a larger compartment secured by a lock, making it difficult for porch pirates to reach in and grab a package. Some lockboxes even have a keypad lock, allowing owners to give codes to a delivery person, or connect to phone Bluetooth and apps for more control.

Historically used in areas without American mailboxes or where weather conditions could easily damage packages, these lockboxes now offer one of the best ways to thwart frequent porch pirates. They come in various designs and colors, blending seamlessly with your porch palette, and are more relevant to home security than ever before.

Read more: www.cnet.com