When it feels like more of your packages are going missing than actually being delivered, you might have a porch pirate problem on your hands.
There’s plenty of logical steps to take to catch the pirate in act or prevent it from happening in the first place, but sometimes harmless traps are the most entertaining.
Read on to learn how to DIY a porch pirate trap that’ll get rid of porch pirates for good.
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5 Steps to Making a Glitter Bomb
A simple glitter bomb costs virtually nothing, is easy to make, and is wonderfully effective at throwing the surprise back in the porch pirate’s face.
When they open the package, they’ll end up covered in glitter!
Follow the 5 steps below to make a glitter bomb.
1. Buy glitter
Glitter can be obtained from most arts and crafts stores. Amazon will also suffice.
2. Save an old package
If you end up ordering the glitter from Amazon, save the package to use as the decoy product!
Don’t rip the package open. Carefully cut the cardboard so that the tearable seam is easily glued back on, and conceal any gaps with tape.
3. Lay down a large old cloth
Glitter gets messy, fast.Cover whatever surface you’re working on with a large, disused cloth to collect the spillage. Large plastic sheets or trash bags do the trick.
4. Pour glitter into package
Slowly pour plenty of glitter into the package. Fill it as much as possible so that each corner of the package is packaged with glitter.
5. Place on the porch and turn your security camera on
Now all that’s left to do is sit back and watch. Whether you’re using AlfredCamera or another device, make sure motion detection is on so you can get notified as the thief approaches.
How do I get rid of pirates on my porch?
Glitter bombs and other pranks are fun and harmless ways to deter porch pirates, but other proven methods of getting rid of porch pirates include:
· Repurposing your spare phones as security cameras in visible locations, like on the porch.
· Having packages delivered to public lockers instead of the home.
· Ensuring all packages are signed for.
· Displaying warning signage with external lighting.
· Informing the police of recurrent porch pirates in the neighborhood.
Other Ideas for Porch Pirate Traps
Porch pirate traps aren’t just limited to glitter bombs. Here’s some other harmless and fun ways to deter repeat offenders from stealing packages left on your porch.
1. Glue on the package
If glitter seems like too much effort, try the decidedly less festive route of glue slathered on a convincing fake package. Minimum effort for you, maximum annoyance for the porch pirate.
2. ‘Warning’ alarm signs
The presence of an alarm isn’t limited to just sounds. Graphic messages can be displayed, or ‘warning’ messages that intend to frighten off would-be thieves.
In the fight against porch pirates, you need security cameras
The most reliable way to catch a porch pirate in the act is to install a security camera on or near the porch. This could be inside the home through a window or outside.
AlfredCam is the perfect all-rounder for indoor surveillance, and thanks to its excellent infrared night vision, catches porch pirates night and day when positioned at a window.
Alfred notifies users the second it spots something fishy, allowing you to respond as fast as possible.
AlfredCam Plus also works as an outdoor security camera, allowing you to get super clear footage of the porch pirate up close and personal–that is, if they even bother to approach your home after seeing the security camera. Discover the AlfredCam line to find out more about which model is best for your needs.
3. Stink bombs
You’ll no doubt remember these from your school days. Try breaking one and immediately placing it inside a package. The scent should be retained inside the box until someone has the misfortune of opening it. Be careful not to stink yourself out!
4. Rocks and sand
If you just want a simple solution to your porch pirate problem without sacrificing any more of your actual deliveries, decoy packages filled with rocks and sand can be a great way to capture the footage of an attempted theft on your security camera.
FAQ
Are porch pirate traps legal?
Only non-violent porch pirate traps are legal, like packages filled with glitter, stink bombs, and simple decoy packages designed to catch theft in action using a security camera.
Anything planted or concealed to cause bodily harm is illegal.
Booby traps on your property are illegal. In the worst-case scenario, this could even result in charges as serious as attempted murder.
Do porch pirates get caught?
FBI statistics suggest that about two burglaries a minute occur in the US every day, and yet arrest rates are about 13%. So porch pirates rarely get caught or face consequences.
That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye on your porch with a security camera, and follow our recommendations for avoiding becoming a porch piracy victim.
Conclusion
While security cameras are the most important means of stopping, preventing, and catching package theft, there are some fun and harmless ways to deter porch pirates, like glitter bombs and decoy packages.
If you capture repeat porch piracy in your neighborhood using a security camera, take the footage to the police so that they can open an investigation and find the thief.