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An estimated 260 million packages were stolen from porches in the United States in 2022, with an estimated $19.5 billion lost to package theft. In Pennsylvania, close to two million residents have had a package stolen; package theft was up 16% in Philadelphia last year.

Unfortunately, package theft is becoming ever more common. In fact, porch piracy has increased over 600% in the last decade. In reality, the more often you shop online – the higher your chances are of being impacted by package theft. But no one’s immune to having this happen to them. 

Learn more about a viable solution to deal with all perennial package problems in this blog.

What are some of the persistent package problems in Philadelphia?

More residents living in Philadelphia are filing reports about their packages being stolen off their porches and doorsteps. Unfortunately, Philadelphia is one of the places being hit the hardest. According to recent surveys, almost 1 in 5 people experience package theft in the state of Pennsylvania. That’s a very high risk when all you’re trying to do is get the stuff you’ve ordered and paid for. 

“More complaints about packages being stolen in Philadelphia “- states an article in Phl17.com. Elaborating further – Police say an unknown man gained entry into a commercial business by forcing open the front door. Once inside, police say the man took an Amazon package and then left the business in an unknown direction.

Package theft can happen anywhere at any time. That being said, there are certain trends that victims of package theft see quite often. Most incidents of package theft happen in broad daylight. That’s because it’s when most people are out at work. 

If a delivery arrives for you, and you’re not home, most couriers will leave your parcel outside on your doorstep. This makes it the perfect time for opportunistic porch pirates to swipe in and take your package for themselves. 

Missed deliveries, on the contrary, can be caused by factors such as incorrect scanning or sorting of packages, miscommunication, or logistical issues. Some other causes of missed deliveries are as follows:

Common causes of Missed Deliveries

• Unavailability of Recipient: One of the most common causes of missed deliveries is the unavailability of the intended recipient at the delivery location. The delivery driver may be unable to make the delivery if no one is available to receive the package.
• Incorrect Address Information: Incorrect or partial address information provided during the ordering process is another typical reason for missed delivery. Any errors can cause delivery delays or the package to be delivered to the incorrect location.
• Delivery Driver Errors: Missed deliveries might occur as a result of delivery driver errors. It’s important to remember that delivery drivers sometimes experience time limits and heavy workloads, which might increase the likelihood of mistakes.

What can consumers do to avoid package crimes in Philadelphia?

The best route forward is to prevent unfortunate instances related to stolen packages and missed packages. This is what package recipients can do to combat these frequent problems by being familiar with package tracking and delivery policies:

• Provide Accurate Delivery Instructions: When placing a purchase, make sure to give clear and accurate delivery instructions. Include specifics regarding the delivery location, such as flat numbers, building names, or any other pertinent information that will assist the delivery driver in easily locating your property.
• Track Your Package: Keep a close eye on the delivery service’s tracking information. Tracking tools enable you to track the movement of your package and predict its arrival. You can make appropriate arrangements to guarantee someone is available to receive the delivery if you stay informed.
• Sign Up for Delivery Notifications: Many delivery firms provide notification services that keep you up to date on the progress of your shipment through email, SMS, or mobile apps. Enable these notifications to receive information on the projected delivery time, attempted deliveries, and changes to the delivery schedule.
• Check Delivery Policies: Familiarize yourself with the delivery policies of the retailer and the delivery service. Learn about their policies for package theft and missing deliveries, redelivery efforts, and package holding. Being informed of these policies might help you efficiently negotiate any potential challenges.
• Coordinate with Neighbors: Create a positive relationship with your neighbors and establish a shared understanding regarding package deliveries. If you are unable to take the box, they will accept it on behalf of you and keep it secure until you can retrieve it.

In spite of that, there are still chances of unexpected events that can result in a package theft or missed deliveries. 

What are some other alternatives to prevent Package Thefts and Missed Deliveries in Philadelphia?

One sure way of preventing package theft and missed deliveries is by making use of package lockers. A parcel locker is a package delivery solution that simplifies the process of package intake, package storage, and pick-up.

Usually located in a convenient common area or building lobby, package storage lockers make it easy for couriers to quickly and safely deliver packages. These days most delivered parcel lockers are electronic, residents and couriers can open them with a PIN code instead of a key.

Nevertheless, electronic parcel lockers come with their own set of pros and cons. Pros being, contactless delivery, recipients are alerted immediately when they receive a package and keep the package safe until recipients return home.

Drawbacks of parcel lockers are:

• Most electronic parcel lockers have no security features. As a result, anyone can hack the system and steal packages.
• Package lockers come with hefty upfront costs.
• Parcel locker compartments are predetermined, you may end up with large packages that don’t fit into any available space.

The best alternative to a delivered parcel locker system is a package receiving and package acceptance service. Here there are physical locations with verified locations partners who receive packages on your behalf from where you can retrieve them when you wish to.

Stowfly, with a network of trusted shops and stores offers such services, that allows you to receive your online deliveries at their locations and pick them up at your own convenience. These locations act as your secondary address.

Package acceptance services by Stowfly diligently work towards ensuring the safety and security of your parcels with locations that works best for you, in terms of distance closer to your home or office and hours of operation.

Package receiving locations can be anywhere from your neighborhood coffee shop, restaurant or even a convenience store. The safety of your packages are taken into prominence, therefore a  unique pick-up PIN is generated for you. You can stay assured that your packages will not be handed over to anyone else, unless the unique pick-up PIN is shared with our location partner.

Rentals are as minimal as $4 per package for one time delivery. A $1000 insurance policy per package is also made available to give you that extra peace of mind and a sense of security.

Amazon missing packages, Fedex stolen packages, UPS missed deliveries & USPS lost packages in Philadelphia can be avoided from here on by utilizing Stowfly’s package receiving and package acceptance. 

Find out how travelers can benefit by making use of Stowfly’s  package receiving and package acceptance services all over the USA in this blog.