Online shopping has made front porches and building lobbies a target. A package left in plain view can be taken in seconds, often by someone who follows delivery trucks through a neighborhood. Package theft can be reduced by residents and by the association working together.
Steps Residents Can Take
- Delivery alerts should be turned on. Most retailers and carriers send a text or email when a package is delivered, so it can be brought inside quickly.
- Delivery options should be chosen with care. Packages can often be held at a carrier location, sent to a pickup locker or store, delivered to a workplace, or scheduled for a day when someone is home.
- Signature requirements can be used for valuable items, so the package is not left unattended.
- Neighbors can help. A trusted neighbor can be asked to pick up packages while a resident is away, and the favor can be returned.
- Delivery instructions can be added asking that packages be placed out of sight from the street, such as behind a planter or at a side door.
Doorbell Cameras and Home Security
A video doorbell lets a resident see and speak to whoever is at the door from a phone. A delivery driver can be asked to place a package in a safer spot, and an alert is sent when someone approaches the door. Visible cameras also discourage many thieves from trying at all.
Additional cameras can cover side doors, garages, and driveways where packages are sometimes left. Smart locks and lighting controlled by a phone app add another layer, and some systems allow a door to be unlocked remotely so a package can be placed inside.
Before cameras or other devices are installed on the exterior of a home or unit, the association's governing documents should be checked. Architectural approval may be required, and in a condominium, exterior walls and doors may be common elements. Cameras should be aimed at the resident's own entry and not into a neighbor's windows or private space.
What the Association Can Do
Boards can reduce package theft at the community level:
- A package room or locker system can be installed in condominium buildings or at a clubhouse, with access limited to residents.
- Delivery rules can be adopted for the mailroom or lobby, including where carriers may leave packages and how long items may be held.
- Common area cameras can be placed at entrances, lobbies, and mail areas, with clear policies on who may view footage and how long it is kept.
- Lighting at entries, walkways, and mail kiosks should be maintained and repaired promptly.
- Gate and access procedures for delivery vehicles can be reviewed with the gate staff or access control vendor.
- Reminders can be sent through the newsletter, website, or portal, especially before busy shopping seasons.
More ideas can be found in our post on
how to deal with vandalism in your community and in
handling trespassing situations.
What to Do When a Package Is Stolen
Even with good precautions, a theft can still happen. These steps help with replacement and with any investigation:
- A police report should be filed. Video footage, the delivery confirmation, and the time of delivery should be provided. A report number is often needed for an insurance claim or a refund.
- The seller should be contacted. Many retailers will replace the item or issue a refund when a theft is reported promptly.
- The carrier should be notified. A lost or stolen package claim can be filed with the delivery company. The order number, tracking number, and related emails should be kept.
- The association should be told. The manager or board should be informed, especially if the theft happened in a common area or if a pattern is suspected, so that neighbors can be alerted and common area footage can be checked.
Keeping the Community Informed
Package theft is often reported in clusters. When residents share what they see and report thefts promptly, patterns are noticed sooner and the association can respond. Suspicious activity in progress should always be reported to local law enforcement rather than confronted.
Help From Condominium Associates
Package room planning, access control vendors, and community notices are coordinated for the associations managed by Condominium Associates. To talk about security in your community,
contact us.
