(calm music)
Chances are you or someone you know has been the victim
of a dastardly porch pirate.
Around 26 million packages are stolen every year,
and that's just in the US.
It's one of the most frustrating things that can happen,
but you don't have to sit there on your empty doorstep
and just take it.
There are things you can do to try to replace your property,
get a refund,
or catch the culprit.
Getting a replacement
In my experience this is the most successful tactic
and the simplest to carry out.
Most companies are quick to send out another item,
especially for things that cost less than $100 dollars.
But remember, no company is obligated
to replace a stolen item.
If you do want to try to replace the lost item,
have your order and delivery information ready.
That includes the confirmation number for the order
and the tracking number for the shipping.
You also want to be ready with any documentation
that can support the fact
that the package was actually swiped.
Some things to consider.
If you're buying a one of a kind item
or something that's worth more than $100 dollars,
it's a good idea to add insurance to the shipment.
And if you can't add insurance on your own,
find out if the company automatically provides them.
And, preferably do that before you click "buy."
The burden of proof is on you
to prove the item was stolen.
Video or camera evidence is your best friend in this case.
A smart doorbell or security camera
can capture the footage that you need to prove your case.
And some companies might require you
to file a police report,
or to file a claim with the carrier
who delivered the package as well.
Getting a refund or reimbursement
This is another approach
that can help take the sting out of
losing a beloved package to thieves.
And there are more ways
to get a refund than you might think.
You can try to get a refund from the seller,
from the carrier that shipped and delivered the item,
from your credit card-
companies like American Express include automatic coverage
for purchases that are stolen.
And you could also try to get a refund
from your homeowners insurance.
However, you're gonna have to weight the benefit
and burden of filing a claim
and dealing with any deductible that you have.
Additional things to consider
You might be out of luck if you didn't insure the package.
Again, the burden of proof will still be on you
to prove it was stolen,
and at the end of the day you may only get a partial refund,
which could be for the shipping only,
for the item only,
or for a little bit of either one.
Catching the culprit
Let's be honest, this is the thing we wish could happen,
but it is also the most difficult thing to do
when it comes to package theft.
And it's the least likely to be successful.
In 2018, the US Postal Inspection Service
arrested around 2,500 suspects
for mail and package theft.
That's less than one percent of the 26 million packages
that are swiped every year.
And police don't have any better luck.
But, filing a report can help law enforcement
identify areas where porch pirates are running ramped.
Some ways to improve your odds
of identifying a package thief
include using a doorbell camera or other security cam
to catch package nabbers red-handed,
teaming up with neighbors to pull video footage,
or you could elect a block captain who's usually home
and can keep an eye out for suspicious activity,
or round up packages before anyone else can get them.
You could also use the Ring Neighbors app.
This provides reports from neighbors
and law enforcement about suspicious activities
and package theft in your area.
Plus, it comes with footage
of the creepers that are stealing everyone's stuff,
and best of all there is no Ring Camera
or subscription needed, it's completely free.
Buying stuff online is fun and convenient,
but if your packages are dropped off on your porch,
you're taking a risk.
Don't let your stuff end up in the hands of package thieves.
Go to safewise.com for tips about
how to thwart porch pirates
and more detailed information about what to do
if they still get away with your goods.
(upbeat jingle)