How To Keep Package Thieves From Stealing Your Holiday Joy

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Doing your holiday shopping online sure does simplify things. You can avoid crowded stores, skip the long lines and save yourself the hassle of ever having to leave your home. The problem, however, is that clicking "add to cart" doesn't always guarantee your holiday purchases end up safely waiting for you on your doorstep.

Nothing puts a damper on the fun of online shopping like having a package stolen. And if you're getting your holiday gifts delivered, you definitely don't want them to end up in the wrong hands. Fortunately, we have some smart, preventive tips to help deter porch pirates from stealing your holiday joy.

Don't Let Deliveries Linger On Your Doorstep

When you receive a package, bring it inside when you can. Leaving deliveries unattended for long periods — particularly overnight — increases their likelihood of getting stolen.

If you're not able to bring mail and packages inside, consider asking a friend or trusted neighbor to collect them for you.

Stay Connected With Your Neighbors

Neighbors, a free app that provides real-time local crime and safety alerts, makes it quick and easy to send and receive updates about package thefts and other community safety alerts to help keep neighborhoods connected and informed.

Download Neighbors And Stay Up-To-Date With What's Going On In Your Community

Get A Video Doorbell

Smart devices, like the Ring Video Doorbell, let you answer your door and help protect your packages no matter where you are.

Plus, if you have a Ring Video Doorbell, you'll receive real-time notifications about activity at your door — even if you're away. You can then see and speak to your visitors and, if someone is attempting to take your package, you can tell them to put it down and leave.

So what's the best Ring Video Doorbell for you? Take this quiz to find out! Of course, you really can't go wrong with Video Doorbell (2nd Generation). Capture clear picture with 1080p HD video with Night Vision and talk to visitors at your door with Two-Way Talk and Quick Replies. Customize your motion settings and get real-time notifications on your phone and tablet, no matter where you are.

If you have existing doorbell wiring and don't ever want to worry about charging a battery, Video Doorbell Wired is a great option. The smallest wired doorbell camera yet, Video Doorbell Wired includes all the essentials — like HD Video, Night Vision, Two-Way Talk, Quick Replies and advanced motion detection. Video Doorbell Wired does not sound your existing doorbell chime. To hear audio alerts, pair it with a Ring Chime, compatible Alexa device (subscription required, sold separately), or select the Video Doorbell Wired + Chime bundle.

If you're looking for added security and style, check out Video Doorbell Pro. This updated, wired doorbell camera offers next-level features like enhanced dual-band wifi, color night vision and built-in Alexa Greetings that answer the door for you when you're busy (Ring Protect Subscription required, sold separately). Like Video Doorbell Wired, Video Doorbell Pro requires existing doorbell wiring for its power supply.

Added bonus: Video Doorbell (2nd Generation), Video Doorbell Wired, and Video Doorbell Pro all include a 30-day trial of Ring Protect.¹ With a Ring Protect subscription, you can record videos to review, save and share what you missed. Ring videos that are stored in the cloud are stored temporarily for up to 180 days.¹

Add An Extra Layer Of Security With Ring Cameras.

If you're not able to bring your packages in until after dark, having smart lights on a timer can be effective to make it look like someone is home. With Ring Smart Lighting, you can link your lights to select Ring Video Doorbells and Cameras so they shine when motion is detected.

Floodlight Cam Wired Plus is ideal for helping protect large outdoor areas like the driveway or the space surrounding your front porch. You can customize motion zones to monitor specific areas and be the first to know of any activity.

Floodlight Cam Wired Plus has motion-activated LED floodlights, 1080p HD video and a built-in security siren. With the Ring App, you can turn on the lights, speak to visitors and — if needed — even sound the siren and send potential porch pirates scrambling.

Learn More About How Ring Can Help Keep Your Property And Packages Safe

¹Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting.