Shopping online is incredibly convenient and makes it easier than ever to find bargains. You can order almost anything you could imagine and arrange delivery direct to your door. Not surprisingly, it seems to get more popular year by year. However, it can lead to a number of problems. The biggest issue is it presents opportunities for porch pirates to steal packages. It’s a good idea to think about how you can tackle them. Let’s have a look, then you can rely on us if you need help from an emergency locksmith in Barkingside.

A growing issue

According to data from Quadient, porch pirates stole packages from 4.83 million homes in the UK last year. It works out to a theft every seven seconds. The total value of those goods is well over £660m. The stats are astonishing, and show how much of a massive crime it has become. In fact, there are even fears of organised gangs specifically setting out to steal deliveries.

While it may seem like a relatively minor crime, the impact it has on people can be serious. It can lead to anxiety and stress. Worse, it affects trust and can actually deter people from ordering items. It can also have an impact on relationships, especially if gifts go missing. In some cases people can be left out of pocket too, unable to get a refund or replacement.

Porch piracy is a problem all across the UK. It tends to be worse in busy urban areas, particularly properties with communal lobbies. However, it also affects rural areas and quiet residential streets.

What to do?

There are a few different things you can try to tackle porch pirates. Firstly, you can ensure you have good locks on your doors and keep them secured. This is fantastic for any small deliveries that can fit through your letterbox; they’ll be safe inside your property. Talk to us if you need help from an emergency locksmith in Barkingside.

Another thing you can do is make sure you are at home to collect deliveries as quickly as possible. This reduces the chance of them sitting out in the open. If you’re not going to be in, it’s best to redirect packages to a safe place, such as a relative or neighbour, local shop, or parcel locker.

A parcel box could also be a fantastic investment. They provide a secure place for couriers to leave packages. Crucially, they prevent access to anyone but the key holder. They can vary in terms of size and capacity. You can even choose products you can easily mount on a wall to secure them in place. As an added bonus, they will keep goods dry too.

Get help from a reputable emergency locksmith in Barkingside

Home security is one of the most important topics. You need to think about key things, including the locks on your doors and windows. Plus, it’s wise to consider deliveries and how you can prevent them from falling into the hands of porch pirates. Don’t avoid shopping online or accept the fear and anxiety of packages going missing.

If you do want help, you can rely on us. We’re the best option if you need an emergency locksmith in Barkingside and neighbouring areas. Contact us 24 hours a day for fast, professional services.