Erika Davis
The holiday shopping season is already here, with more package deliveries on their way to our TAWANI Property Management (TPM) residents and everyone in the Chicagoland area. The higher volume of packages tends to attract “porch pirates” who help themselves to someone else’s delivery. According to the Chamber of Commerce, one in four people experience package theft from online shopping.
While our Rogers Park and Gold Coast buildings have security features in place, there are additional steps you can take to deter theft and make sure you receive all your orders.
- Be Prompt – Nearly all retailers offer package tracking options that let you know when a delivery will arrive at your building. It goes without saying that the longer a package sits after arrival, the more likely it is to go missing. Pick up your packages as promptly as possible to secure your orders.
- Consider Requiring a Signature – Choosing the signature option may mean the delivery service needs to attempt a handoff more than once. Still, it gives you the extra security that a package is placed directly into your hands and not left unattended.
- Use Drop Boxes and Store Pick-up Options – The major online e-tailers and shipping services have drop boxes throughout Chicago, and a wide variety of stores offer in-person pick-up services with grab-and-go convenience. If you are away from home during the day, in-person pick-up is a safer option.
- Opt for Insurance – You can use insurance to protect packages in both directions – sending and receiving. While shipping insurance does not prevent theft, it can make the process of obtaining a refund much easier. It may also encourage the delivery service to take extra care when delivering your order.
- Make Alternative Arrangements – If you will be away when a package is expected to arrive, use the package hold or delivery reschedule feature if available. You can also ask a trusted neighbor or friend to keep their eye out for your delivery and hold it until you return.
- Stay Vigilant with Building Access – This is a critical practice to follow all year round: be vigilant about anyone requesting access to the building. If someone you do not recognize says they are there to visit someone, let them know that their host should be the one to let them in. If someone says they have a food order or other type of delivery, ask for proof before granting access.
- Shop Local – Shopping in person at local stores is a terrific way to support Chicago community businesses and enjoy some of the holiday spirit that comes from festive retail spaces – while also removing any possibility of package theft. Our walkable Rogers Park and Gold Coast neighborhoods make it easy to browse local shops and give small businesses an extra holiday boost.
These tips can help keep your packages safe at any time of year, but they’re especially beneficial during the holidays when deliveries increase and people are more distracted with activities and celebrations. As we head toward the end of the year, we wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday season!
