Modesty aside, the Wirecutter staff probably accounts for a lot of postal deliveries—and not just because we buy things like bulk boxes of Sour Patch Kids and tiny cowboy hats for tiny dogs. We review a lot of stuff, and with all of those packages coming and going, it’s no surprise we’ve lost a few to thieves.
This flavor of theft is an ongoing problem: One 2024 study found that 31% of Americans have had a package stolen—up from 24% in 2023.
Rather than leave fate to chance this holiday season, here are a few strategies you can use to prevent your parcels from falling into the wrong hands.
Buy online, pick up in store
Several big-box retailers, such as Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, allow you to make purchases online and pick them up in person from a dedicated counter. Many also offer curbside pickup, where you pull into a designated parking spot and remain in your car while a store employee brings your items to you. (Even smaller local retailers have introduced curbside services.) Be sure to check websites or call stores directly to see what contact-free options are available.
Have packages delivered to a secure spot
If you don’t have a big enough mailbox or space for a storage locker, you can get packages delivered to a trusted place near you and pick them up when it’s more convenient. Amazon Locker, a free option that delivers your Amazon purchases to a locked box in partner stores and apartment buildings, is available throughout the country. Just select Locker when placing an Amazon order, get an unlock code, and confirm that your package will fit. If it doesn’t, Amazon also provides the option to pick up your purchase from various retail counters or a UPS Access Point, which includes counters and lockers at participating CVS stores, Michael’s craft stores, Advance Auto Parts stores, and UPS Store locations.
Use tech to outsmart thieves
There are a number of devices and services that allow people to have their deliveries guarded. (Note that Wirecutter doesn’t currently review these products and so haven’t tested them, though many have received positive customer reviews.)
Smart drop boxes allow couriers to drop packages into an empty lockbox—and will even send recipients a smartphone notification about the drop. Once there’s something in the box, delivery persons can open the box using a PIN code you generate for the address label. Our favorite box has been discontinued, but there are several other options available, including the Genie BenchSentry, the Loxx Boxx, and the Yale Smart Delivery Box.
Amazon Key is a service that takes deliveries beyond your front porch and into your garage so that drivers don’t have to leave anything outside. Available to eligible Prime subscribers, the service pairs with smart garage controllers, such as the Genie Aladdin Connect, the Chamberlain MyQ, and Overhead Door’s OHD Anywhere, all of which let you open or close your garage remotely. This allows delivery drivers to put packages inside your garage without giving them access to the inside of your home.
In my experience, delivery people aren’t always receptive to using these systems, so before you invest in one of these gadgets, speak with your local carrier or reach out to delivery services to confirm their willingness to use them.
If you don’t want anyone in any part of your home, having a visible camera can deter criminals. A smart doorbell camera is a particularly great option, as it alerts you when packages (and people) arrive at your doorstep, whether you’re upstairs, at the grocery store, or away for the holiday. Models such as the Google Nest Doorbell (Wired) can also notify you when they sense motion, so you’ll know when packages arrive even if no one bothers to ring the doorbell.
Sign up for shipping notifications
One big delivery hassle is finding out that you won’t be home when a package is due to arrive. Major carriers like USPS, FedEx, and UPS offer text and email notifications so you can track the whereabouts of your items. Most will even hold package deliveries while you’re out of town. (One Wirecutter reader suggested having all midweek USPS deliveries held until Saturdays, when you know you’ll be home.) Some services may also let you reroute packages, although it could cost you a small fee. If you find yourself on the road often, both USPS and UPS offer mailbox services. Prices vary based on location and the size of your packages, with some starting as low as $19 for a three-month period. Wirecutter senior editor Christine Ryan finds the service invaluable enough to spend about $470 for a year-round mailbox at her local UPS Store. “Total peace of mind,” she says. “They email me anytime a package comes in.”
