# Given the spate of amazon package thefts, has anyone invented a practical countermeasure? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 19, 2018, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383 "2018-12-19T19:17:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ashtura](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ashtura/32/2963_2.png) [@Ashtura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashtura)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/1 "2018-12-19T19:17:31Z")
I watced [a video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo) of a guy that made an elaborate glitter bomb but this seems more like a prank rather than preventative, and highly impractical. Has anyone made anything to actually prevent this? Some one-way drop box? I’m thinking something like the clothing drop off bins for Goodwill except for amazon packages. That would be huge and ugly, but a start. Also, is stealing Amazon boxes a federal crime like stealing out of a mail box? If not, it should be. ---
**Author:** ![boffking](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/858c86/32.png) [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/2 "2018-12-19T19:18:43Z")
Amazon does have storefronts where you can pick up packages. I’ve seen a couple in Boston. Does anyone know if these can be found anywhere else? ---
**Author:** ![Alpha\_Twit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpha_twit/32/265_2.png) [@Alpha\_Twit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpha_Twit)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/3 "2018-12-19T19:23:18Z")
I’ve seen any number of video camera systems that will record people stepping onto your porch. This, naturally will not prevent thefts by MAY make it easier to catch the thief and recover the item. The only practical solution I’ve found is a PO box. A thief would have to be pretty brazen to attempt theft directly from the Post Office. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/4 "2018-12-19T19:25:00Z")
[Landport](https://www.thelandport.com/) > [@](#): > > What is Landport? > > It’s a super-secure lockbox for your package deliveries. Fedex, UPS and others place deliveries inside, and you take them out. No more worrying about package theft! Landport is big enough to hold multiple packages, and with its timeless design and color options, it complements any style home or storefront. [BoxLock](https://www.getboxlock.com/) > [@](#): > > The first smart padlock designed to protect deliveries. > BoxLock makes sure that you get your packages reliably, when you expect them. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/5 "2018-12-19T19:29:12Z")
> [@boffking](#): > > Amazon does have storefronts where you can pick up packages. I’ve seen a couple in Boston. Does anyone know if these can be found anywhere else? Amazon has a service separate from their stores. [Amazon Locker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Locker) When making a purchase, when you’re setting the delivery location you can opt for it to be delivered to a locker, you then go to pick it up after you get delivery notification. You are provided a code that you input into a kiosk and that opens the locker with your parcel. You’d have to check to see if there is a locker close enough to make it worth your while, and some items are ineligible for that service (for example they might not fit in a locker, or might be shipped using a carrier that won’t deliver to one). ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/6 "2018-12-19T19:45:20Z")
> [@Ashtura](#): > > Also, is stealing Amazon boxes a federal crime like stealing out of a mail box? If not, it should be. The law seems to cover all bases but seems to be specific to U.S. mail. Amazon boxes sent by U.S. mail would be covered, but it is not clear (to me, anyway) if boxes stolen from private carriers is covered by federal law. IANAL. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/7 "2018-12-19T19:45:59Z")
[Amazon In-home delivery](https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202104360). This works by having an electronic “smart lock” on your door. Basically you authorize an Amazon delivery person to come into your home and leave the packages inside. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/8 "2018-12-19T20:14:25Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > [Amazon In-home delivery](https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=202104360). This works by having an electronic “smart lock” on your door. Basically you authorize an Amazon delivery person to come into your home and leave the packages inside. Great. Then instead of running around the neighborhood the thieves can just get a job with Amazon. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/9 "2018-12-19T20:26:25Z")
> [@CookingWithGas](#): > > Great. Then instead of running around the neighborhood the thieves can just get a job with Amazon. From the link. > [@](#): > > The driver will knock first, then request to unlock customer’s door via their Amazon handheld scanner. Amazon verifies that the package(s) belong to the address and the driver is near the door,\*\* turns on Cloud Cam and unlocks your door. No special codes or keys are given to the driver. The driver will then place the package(s) just inside your door and request to lock the door. > > If we cannot confirm the lock was successfully relocked after a brief period, our support team is alerted so they can confirm that the delivery was done properly and your home is secured.\*\* Once the delivery is complete and your door is re-locked, you will get a final notification and can watch a video clip of the delivery. You do not need to provide any additional information for the driver, such as keypad codes or remote unlock. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/10 "2018-12-19T20:43:14Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > From the link. What could go wrong? It would make more sense to have some sort of lockbox on my property where they can deposit deliveries. It wouldn’t be immune to theft but it would be a deterrent. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/11 "2018-12-19T20:50:37Z")
Amazon also has a program where the delivery person can (on compatible vehicles) unlock the trunk of your car and place the package in there. Not gonna work well with big flat screen TVs and little cars (which can [complicate theft](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article223220635.html) as well). ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/12 "2018-12-19T20:52:56Z")
Apologies if this answer doesn’t belong in GQ, but it’s so _great_. A NASA engineer built a dummy package containing four cell phone cameras that explodes with glitter and fart bombs when the thieves open it. It has GPS so the inventor is able to retrieve it after the glitter-covered miscreants heave it out on the side of the road. It’s had 26.6 million views. [Glitter Bomb Package Theft Deterrent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/13 "2018-12-19T20:57:52Z")
I used to live on a street where people would brazenly root through your mailbox while you were watching. Needless to say, package theft was rampant. My solutions: I rented a PO Box. I routed as much of my mail as possible to it. Amazon locker type services. UPS also does this. Not as convenient (my PO Box is very close to my home, and also on my route to/from work) but secure. Have the package sent to where I worked. Not always feasible, as not all employers allow this. More high tech solutions have already been mentioned involving delivery people being granted access to your vehicle or front door. Not having a smartphone I’ve never used them. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/14 "2018-12-19T20:59:01Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Amazon has a service separate from their stores. > > [Amazon Locker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Locker) > > When making a purchase, when you’re setting the delivery location you can opt for it to be delivered to a locker, you then go to pick it up after you get delivery notification. You are provided a code that you input into a kiosk and that opens the locker with your parcel. > > You’d have to check to see if there is a locker close enough to make it worth your while, and some items are ineligible for that service (for example they might not fit in a locker, or might be shipped using a carrier that won’t deliver to one). I’ve used this several times with no problems. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/15 "2018-12-19T21:18:33Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Apologies if this answer doesn’t belong in GQ, but it’s so _great_. > > A NASA engineer built a dummy package containing four cell phone cameras that explodes with glitter and fart bombs when the thieves open it. It has GPS so the inventor is able to retrieve it after the glitter-covered miscreants heave it out on the side of the road. It’s had 26.6 million views. > > [Glitter Bomb Package Theft Deterrent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo) Did you read post #1? ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/16 "2018-12-19T21:22:32Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > [Landport](https://www.thelandport.com/) You probably don’t need something this fancy–just a delivery box which people can’t see in. ---
**Author:** ![Tzigone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/839c29/32.png) [@Tzigone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tzigone)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/17 "2018-12-19T21:24:18Z")
> [@boffking](#): > > Amazon does have storefronts where you can pick up packages. I’ve seen a couple in Boston. Does anyone know if these can be found anywhere else? Yeah, but it kills a lot of the convenience of ordering online (or at least of delivery), if I have to go somewhere else to get the package. For brick-and-click stores, you can just site-to-store it instead of home delivery if you want that. Like carryout v. delivery (where buying in store would be eating in the restaurant, I guess) . ---
**Author:** ![XT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/xt/32/456_2.png) [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/18 "2018-12-19T21:33:08Z")
As the question seems to have been answered, I just want to say that the fart sprayer was a really nice touch wrt the ex-NASA guy and his little surprise for the thieves. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/19 "2018-12-19T23:31:53Z")
Yes, I enjoyed that video too. The smell was an inspired idea as it made the thief eager to get rid of the parcel ASAP. In the UK, a large number of local stores will accept parcels to and from the major carriers including Amazon. Some have a separate counter and some just use the normal checkout, but it is a godsend for people who are out all day. It’s good for the store too as many people will take the opportunity to buy something at the same time. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383/20 "2018-12-19T23:48:58Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Apologies if this answer doesn’t belong in GQ, but it’s so _great_. > > A NASA engineer built a dummy package containing four cell phone cameras that explodes with glitter and fart bombs when the thieves open it. It has GPS so the inventor is able to retrieve it after the glitter-covered miscreants heave it out on the side of the road. It’s had 26.6 million views. > > [Glitter Bomb Package Theft Deterrent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo) Hmmm, [where](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=867498)have I seen this before…? [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/given-the-spate-of-amazon-package-thefts-has-anyone-invented-a-practical-countermeasure/826383.md?page=2)