Latest news with #packagetheft
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
Watch Out for iPhone-Tracking Porch Pirates This Year: Here's What to Know
The iPhone 17 is on its way, and Labor Day sales are approaching fast. That means it's time to bring up a new tactic that thieves have begun using to steal valuable shipments. It involves data theft and speedy porch pirates, and they're likely to try similar tactics this year as valuable iPhones and related packages start getting shipped. I did some research on how these thieves are acting so quickly to snatch iPhones the moment they are delivered, and what you can do to help protect your pricey purchases once you know they are shipped. Here's what's going on. Read more: The 7 Best Ways to Keep Porch Pirate Hands Off Your Package Wait, thieves are stealing iPhones as they're delivered? Yep. In 2024, package thieves found a new way to steal high-value items, specifically iPhones. They follow package deliveries and nab the shipment the moment it's dropped off. In most cases, these thieves run up and grab a package from a porch or doorstep only seconds after the delivery person leaves. Reports indicate that these thefts are frequently occurring with AT&T iPhone purchases and FedEx deliveries, although the details can vary. Where are these iPhone thieves stealing packages? Across the United States, especially on the East Coast. Cases have been reported in New York, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Pennsylvania and other states. In some cases, teens and young adults have been apprehended and accused of stealing these packages, while in other cases the thieves have not been caught. This kind of theft is only possible when thieves have access to inside tracking data. Onfokus/Getty Images How are thieves able to do this? Two important reasons. First, these thieves are somehow getting tracking numbers or similar tracking information for iPhone deliveries, so they get real-time updates about when and where packages are delivered, allowing them to swoop in the moment the package status changes. Second, AT&T is one of the few telecom companies that -- in many cases -- doesn't require signatures for high-value deliveries like iPhones. That allows thieves to steal packages when they are left unattended. How are thieves accessing this kind of tracking data? The companies involved have been very tight-lipped about how this is happening, and law enforcement organizations haven't made any final reports yet. We are assuming that someone within the organizations is collecting tracking numbers and selling them to thieves, the same way customer login information is sold on the dark web. Remote data theft is also a possibility, but companies typically issue news about a data breach in those cases. AT&T has reported that it customarily makes changes to prevent these kinds of thefts but is light on details. Am I only in danger if I use FedEx or buy AT&T iPhones? We advise you to be careful with any high-value purchase. Thieves were able to find vulnerabilities in the shipping system AT&T used to deliver iPhones. That means that other porch pirates are going to be looking for similar vulnerabilities in other shipping methods for expensive, easily stolen packages. And if someone is selling tracking information, more people may be tempted to do the same, especially as holiday shipping ramps up. Package lock boxes are a very old solution to a very modern problem. Felikuk How do you stop iPhone thieves with tracking information? Even if thieves manage to get their hands on tracking info, there are plenty of ways to keep your expensive shipments safe. Adopt one of these methods to prevent package theft permanently: Require a signature if possible : Use companies, carriers and delivery methods that require a signature for high-value items. This essentially makes this kind of package theft impossible. : Use companies, carriers and delivery methods that require a signature for high-value items. This essentially makes this kind of package theft impossible. Use a locked delivery box : If signed deliveries aren't an option for you, consider a delivery box for your porch, door or gate. They are similar to mailboxes but designed for your home, allowing delivery people to drop packages off but locking the compartment until you decide to pick them up. More advanced versions have smart features, too. : If signed deliveries aren't an option for you, consider a delivery box for your porch, door or gate. They are similar to mailboxes but designed for your home, allowing delivery people to drop packages off but locking the compartment until you decide to pick them up. More advanced versions have smart features, too. Arrange for in-garage deliveries : Some delivery options include having the delivery person put a package inside your garage for safekeeping. This usually requires a smart garage door and, in Amazon's case, a Prime subscription. : Some delivery options include having the delivery person put a package inside your garage for safekeeping. This usually requires a smart garage door and, in Amazon's case, a Prime subscription. Keep an eye out with video doorbells: A video doorbell can't stop a package thief, but most models can recognize a package and send you a phone alert. That allows you to immediately jump to a live view and turn on the two-way audio so you can yell at any thieves following the delivery, hopefully scaring them off. Complete your home protection with our guide on the best ways to deter burglars, when burglars are most likely to strike your home and the best cheap security systems to get quick home protection.
CNET
5 days ago
- CNET
My 7 Expert-Tested Tech Tricks to Stop Porch Pirates in Their Tracks
If you order packages from Amazon and other popular retailers, you're probably aware of the chance of porch pirates, or thieves grabbing your stuff right when it's delivered. CNET's own survey say 1 in 4 adults in the US have had packages stolen or know someone who has. "Delivery was meant to be convenient -- but with porch theft like it is today, it's anything but," says Hyve Security. "Getting a notification that a package has arrived is supposed to bring peace of mind. Instead, it brings panic." I don't think you should ever panic about a delivery, so I've tested all kinds of home security devices, many made for your porch and front door, in a quest to find the best proven ways to stop and discourage porch pirates. Along the way I've uncovered some innovative answers -- here are my favorites. 1. Take advantage of package tracking Every major delivery company and the US Postal Service now gives updates on when a given package will arrive. In most cases, you can track its progress and see when it's been placed on the truck for delivery. Finally, the tracking will be updated when your package has been delivered. The simplest way to avoid porch pirates is to use this tracking information to quickly retrieve your package once it's delivered. If you're not able to be home during the delivery, you can have someone else keep an eye on your doorstep that day. Limiting the time between delivery and retrieval is a simple, straightforward way to avoid porch piracy. 2. Install a video doorbell Video doorbells are becoming an increasingly popular way of protecting homes. Brands like Ring, Arlo and Nest sell doorbells that double as home security cameras. When someone rings the doorbell, you can see a live video feed and hear what your visitor is saying. And the camera allows for two-way audio, meaning you can talk to whomever is on your porch. Having a doorbell security camera can benefit you in a few ways. First, burglars and thieves tend to be discouraged by security alarms. Someone thinking of stealing your package might see the security camera and think again. Video doorbells can be good deterrents to would-be porch pirates. Ring In addition to deterrence, many of these video doorbells come with motion sensors and a notification system, which sends an alert when someone is on your front porch. With AI detection, many can also identify packages and let you know when a package has arrived -- or when a package is suddenly no longer detected -- all seconds after it's happened. Thanks to how popular these doorbell cameras have become, they're widely available at competitive prices. You can easily find a great one for less than $150. 3. Get your packages delivered to pickup locations We know it involves an extra trip, but because you can't always be home for a package arrival, arranging for a pickup location instead works well -- especially for more expensive items. For example, when you order from Amazon, you have the option to choose a pickup location instead of your address, including any available Amazon Lockers, Amazon Counters at participating locations and UPS AccessPoints. Other carriers have their own nearby hubs where you can arrange for pickup too. Plan a trip when you're out on your daily errands and you can be the one swooping in on your package instead of a porch pirates. 4. Consider buying a porch lockbox Package lock boxes are a very old solution to a very modern problem. Felikuk With porch piracy rates increasing steadily, more people are turning to an old but highly effective answer -- a delivery box for your door like those that Hyve, Adoorn and Keter offer. When you order an item online, you'll give instructions for the delivery driver to open your porch lockbox. Some have a slot for drivers to drop small items into but require a key to open. Others require a code that you can provide for the delivery driver. The best even offer smart app alerts and remote control over the box. This type of lockbox isn't necessarily the most affordable option: High-quality lockboxes can easily cost hundreds of dollars. But if you often receive valuable packages or live in an area known for package theft, it might be worth it. 5. Require signature on delivery In most cases, delivery drivers simply leave packages on porches or at front doors. But that's not the only option. Most companies also give the option to require a signature on delivery. In that case, the driver can't leave the package unless you're there to sign. This strategy can be inconvenient if you're not often home during the day, and a few missed deliveries can lead to packages being returned to the sender. But for a valuable package, it might be worth waiting to ensure it's not sitting unattended on your porch. Read more: The Worst Spots to Install Your Home Security Camera 6. Buy a mailbox sensor A mailbox sensor is a small device that attaches to your mailbox and notifies you when it's been opened. You can find out when your mail is delivered, as well as if someone is opening your mailbox who shouldn't be. Mailbox sensors can give you more immediate information regarding your deliveries -- especially for smaller parcels. Megan Wollerton/CNET Ring is just one of the companies that offers this product and allows you to pair your mailbox sensor with the rest of your home security system. You can arrange it so that when your mailbox is opened, your doorbell camera or another home security camera begins recording. When you open the video feed, you'll know if someone is opening your mailbox who shouldn't be. And while you may not be able to stop someone from stealing your package, you'll at least have the video evidence. 7. Make it obvious someone is being recorded Studies have shown that your home is less likely to be subject to theft if it's clear you have a home security system of some kind. According to data collected by a researcher at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 83% of burglars try to determine whether a house has a home security system. If security is present, 87% would move onto another home. So how do you make it clear your home is secure and encourage potential thieves to move along? Obvious signs such as security cameras on the exterior of your home can be enough. Many home security companies also provide their customers with signs to place on the front yard. Kasa's very affordable doorbell can keep an eye on all kinds of front door events. Kasa Now there's an obvious caveat: Many porch pirates don't notice or care about home security systems and simply try to move so fast that it won't matter (which is why this step is lowest on our list). But making it clear that you have security cameras or video doorbells that are actively recording people can still help. Some settings allow you to turn up the brightness of indicator lights on video doorbells, for example, so someone can clearly see when it pops on. For more information on protecting your home against burglars and thieves, visit our list of the best home security systems. And if you're looking for home safety tips that go beyond your front porch, check out this guide to prevent car break-ins and these tips for improving your home security now. Don't miss any of CNET's unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome.
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Lorex Anniversary Sale: Save Up to 25% on Top-Rated Security Cameras
Investing in home security has never been more important, but that doesn't mean it has to break the bank. Whether you're in the market for a reliable outdoor camera to prevent package theft or want something for the inside that also lets you communicate with your children or pets, there are affordable options out there – if you know where to look. Right now, Lorex -- the brand behind some of our favorite home security cameras -- is celebrating its 34th anniversary by offering up to 25% off sitewide through August 23, plus free shipping on orders above $99. That includes big savings on its best-selling Fusion Collection of 4K smart deterrence cameras and pro-grade NVR systems. You still have around a week to save, but considering how popular these models are, it's worth locking in your picks sooner rather than later. The sale includes a sweet 27% discount on the Lorex 4K Spotlight Indoor/Outdoor Camera, which our security experts rated as the best high-resolution camera on the market. You get color night vision, built-in object detection, and a customizable LED spotlight that lets you pick between multiple color options. Lorex even throws in a 32GB microSD card for you to store footage locally without relying on the cloud. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If you're after a floodlight camera without any subscription hassles, the Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Camera is an excellent option. It combines motion detection, adjustable floodlights, smart home compatibility, and two-way audio in one. This model is down to $220 after a 21% discount, and comes with a 32GB microSD card as well. Or want a camera that doubles as a doorbell? The Lorex 4K Wired Doorbell Camera offers great video quality, full head-to-toe view, AI-powered detection, nightlight support, and two-way talk. Best of all, it includes both cloud storage support and a 32GB microSD card. Right now, you can grab it with an annual cloud plan for $235, a modest 6% discount. Why this deal matters Smart security cameras aren't exactly cheap, especially if you're looking to grab one from some of the top brands out there. Lorex's anniversary sale lets you save a good amount on several feature-packed options for both indoor and outdoor spaces. We just highly recommend grabbing what you like before the stock runs out.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Moment 'porch pirate' is caught on camera stealing two large packages from a home in Canterbury before casually walking away
This is the moment a brazen 'porch pirate' is caught on camera stealing two large packages from outside a house in Canterbury. The hooded man jogs towards the doorstep after spotting two large parcels, casually picks them up and walks off, while the homeowner was out for a meal. Click above to watch the video in full.
