Using Home Video Surveillance to Keep Your Deliveries Safe from Package Theft
If you’re doing more and more of your shopping online, you’re not alone. Consumers are enjoying the benefits that come with the ease and convenience of online shopping, and it’s safe to say this trend is here to stay. And more online shopping means more packages being dropped off on doorsteps, leading to concerns about protection against package theft.
Thankfully, the right home video security systems can help protect your deliveries—and most importantly, your whole household.
With a home video security system that includes a doorbell camera, exterior cameras, and interior cameras, you can see and secure deliveries in seconds from anywhere. And when you integrate smart locks and smart garage doors into your security equation, you’ll be prepared for any package delivery situation at hand. Here’s how to keep your packages—and yourself—safe using your Alarm.com home video monitoring system.
Others prefer to have their most valuable packages left inside their home, which is a perfect chance to put your home video security system to good use. The front and side doors are popular spots when you want to let someone into your home for just a moment, watch while they’re there, and then lock up when they’re gone.
Another great drop-off spot for using smart home video surveillance to protect both your packages and your household? The garage. Not only can you install cameras there, but it’s a great place for oversized packages to be delivered safely. And many garages have a lockable inner door that prevents further entry into your home. You’ll also receive a notification alerting you if you forgot to close your garage after a package has been delivered.
2. Observe and communicate with the driver through your home security video system.
A smart video doorbell can help you make the most of your home video security set-up when the driver shows up. In fact, you’ll know they’ve arrived before they ever ring the bell, as they approach your home.
With a touchless video doorbell, you’ll stay safer with two-way audio and a contact-free experience. How? AI-driven video insights can identify when a person is standing in a dedicated space, like your welcome mat. That triggers the doorbell to chime in your home, while sending an alert to your Alarm.com app.
You can then open the app, see the driver through your live video feed, and use the microphone button to greet them. From there, simply tell the driver where you’d like them to leave your package and unlock your door—right from the app’s doorbell camera feed.
Introducing the Alarm.com Touchless Doorbell
Others prefer to have their most valuable packages left inside their home, which is a perfect chance to put your home video security system to good use. The front and side doors are popular spots when you want to let someone into your home for just a moment, watch while they’re there, and then lock up when they’re gone.
Another great drop-off spot for using smart home video surveillance to protect both your packages and your household? The garage. Not only can you install cameras there, but it’s a great place for oversized packages to be delivered safely. And many garages have a lockable inner door that prevents further entry into your home. You’ll also receive a notification alerting you if you forgot to close your garage after a package has been delivered.
4. Manage overnight deliveries.
With so many people doing more of their shopping online, carriers are busier than ever. It’s no surprise that package delivery now takes place at all hours. Home video surveillance systems are great for spotting deliveries late at night while you’re snoozing, or long before you wake the next day.
Some home security video systems, like Alarm.com, are equipped with video analytics that can distinguish a person, vehicle, or animal, and send alerts if there’s unexpected activity. If your home video monitoring system includes a perimeter alert with audio and LED warnings, you might want to disarm that feature when you’re expecting a delivery. Smart home video security deterrence features can be good for the whole neighborhood, but not if it’s waking everyone up before dawn.
If there’s overnight trouble in the neighborhood, though, the video cameras in your home security system can be helpful in solving it. By storing and sharing recorded video clips, neighbors can help each other spot vandals and prowlers.
Once you know the driver is waiting, you can chat for a moment, right from your home video surveillance app. Maybe you need a moment to get dressed or finish that email before you lose your train of thought. Two-way audio lets you tell them you’ll be right there, without having to rush.
Plus, with a professionally monitored home security video system, you’ll have extra peace of mind with 24/7 central station coverage. If they spot any suspicious activity, they’ll alert you and the authorities immediately.
Preventing package theft is easy with Alarm.com. If you already have smart home security, talk to your service provider about adding a video doorbell and smart lock to your system now.
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