The Best Parcel Boxes to Deter Parcel Thieves

Amazon has changed the way we live, for better or worse. Why go to a cell phone store to buy a new phone case when you have thousands of options at your fingertips that can be delivered to your home, often the same day? Unfortunately, all those packages whizzing your way also mean thieves are looking for your purchases left unattended on your doorstep.

In 2022, nearly eight out of ten Americans have had their package stolen. According to Forbes , that’s 260 million packages this year alone. If there’s no place on your doorstep for a courier to safely place your package, it’s only a matter of time before you get hit by a porch pirate. If you don’t want to become a victim, there are ways to stop them (or at least slow them down) . One of the best and easiest solutions is to purchase a protective box or bag.

The best parcel boxes

A parcel security box is a facility where the courier can place your parcel and has an added level of security compared to simply leaving the parcel in plain view. A determined thief could find a way to break into it if he really wanted to, but it’s still an effective deterrent. For either of these, you’ll need to leave instructions with Amazon or whatever retail store you use to tell the courier to leave the package inside and explain how to lock it (especially if it’s not intuitive). Here are the best options:

• If you want a simple and straightforward shipping box, consider the Keter Parcel Shipping Box , currently $189.94 (originally $219.99). It has a lid on top through which couriers can leave packages, but cannot pick up packages already inside (there is a compartment that opens into the box only when the lid is closed). Basically, you can only load packages into it and extract them from below using the key you will have. In particular, this option may not be very intuitive for couriers, so leave instructions on the box or in your order. The box comes without instructions, but you can see them here .
• The Parcel Guard smart mailbox is perfect for tech people who don’t mind having a box on their porch that looks like a 1980s photocopier. Included in the package is an app that alerts you to a delivery (or attempted theft), as well as low-quality motion sensor camera recording with two-way audio. You can get it on Amazon for $349.
• Those looking for a budget option should consider the Cosco Outdoor Living BoxGuard , currently $73.45 (regularly $99.99). The storage box has a combination lock that you leave open and hope the courier will lock it once they drop the package inside (you’ll need to leave clear instructions for this).
• If you need a parcel box that mounts to the ground, consider the Elephantrunk 6900B Architectural Mailboxes , on sale for $249.25 (regularly $399). It has a central locking hub that secures to the ground to prevent your package from moving around. It also works the same as the Cosco BoxGuard and Keter box, which has a dedicated dispense-only compartment and a keyed retrieval compartment.
• Eufy Security SmartDrop is ideal for those who already have an Eufy security system installed in their home. It syncs with Security Center and the app and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant. It has a 1080P camera, two-way audio and pin code and key lock to receive your packages. You can currently get it for $179.99 (regularly $399.99).