ARTICLE
Hands Off! How To Outsmart Porch Pirates And Keep Your Parcels Safe
Published Feb 7, 2023 • Updated May 4, 2026 - 3 min read
Video doorbells, outdoor security cameras and smart locks can help stop parcel theft by deterring intruders and giving you proof if something goes missing. This article explains which home security gadgets offer the best protection for deliveries, front doors and night-time visibility.
Key takeaways from this article
Outdoor cameras can deter thieves and send motion alerts to your phone.
Live video and two-way audio let you check on deliveries remotely.
Floodlight cameras add bright motion-activated lighting after dark.
Video doorbells help you speak to couriers and monitor front-door activity.
Smart locks add flexible entry options and can replace spare-key hiding spots.
Your packages have been delivered, but are they safe on your front porch? Possibly not, given that more than one-third of Aussies have been affected by parcel theft, according to a recent survey. “To keep porch pirates at bay, you need to boost your home security – we’re talking a crack team of video doorbells and home security cameras to not only deter criminals, but also catch them in the act on video if it comes to that,” says David Linehan, The Good Guys Buyer – Tech Accessories.Don’t leave your precious packages vulnerable to sneaky porch pirates. Instead, protect your deliveries, property and loved ones with the latest home security gadgets – here’s how.
Do Security Cameras Deter Package Theft?
If you’ve got a home security camera installed, you’ve got peace of mind. These home security legends keep a watchful eye over your property 24/7, including those times when packages arrive while you’re at work.
“The latest outdoor cameras use Wi-Fi to hook up to a dedicated smartphone app, which shows you live-streamed footage and archived recordings and will even notify you when movement is detected near your front door,” says David Linehan.
Turn secure doors into a secure household with a connected camera system. Position cameras at your windows and entrance points, then sync to your smart home for effective surveillance.
Then, come delivery day, you can talk to the postie through your smartphone – the postie can communicate back via the camera’s in-built speaker and microphone.
Partial to a bit of online gift shopping? Use the crisp video quality of 2K and 4K cameras to zoom in on your packages, so you’ll know whether to rush home and hide a present from the kids.
Which Security Lighting Is Best?
Tossing up between an outdoor floodlight and a security camera? A smart floodlight camera combines both in a single fixture for the ultimate after-dark criminal deterrent.
According to NSW Police, these devices can (quite literally) shine a light on night-time theft. “Criminals don’t like to be seen – security lighting can be installed around the perimeter of your property, including over entry ways, along your driveway and at the back of the house.”
Floodlight security cameras feature night vision capabilities, plus a motion-activated light to deter a perp in their tracks.
Shop Outdoor Security Cameras
eufy 4-in-1 Home Security Essentials Kit
TP-LINK Tapo 2K Outdoor Pan/Tilt Security Wi-Fi Camera
Ring Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-In
Is It Worth Getting A Video Doorbell?
A video doorbell is a Wi-Fi enabled doorbell with a built-in camera, speaker and microphone. Designed for both home security and convenience, these smart devices let you watch activity around your front door and communicate with visitors, all through a smartphone app.
“A real boost to your home security, video doorbells are a deterrent for potential intruders,” David Linehan says. “Some models can even distinguish between humans, animals and vehicles, and will send notifications to your smart device.”
They’re also a lifesaver when you’re not home but expecting a parcel. All you need to do to accept it – or to give further instructions if your signature is required – is talk to the delivery person on your doorstep via your smartphone. Or, bonus, you can tell door-to-door salespeople that you are "not interested" from the comfort of your couch!
Plus, you’ll never miss a movement with motion-activated recording and real-time notifications.
Shop Video Doorbells
eufy Dual Camera Wireless 2K Video DoorbellGoogle Nest Doorbell (White)Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Satin Nickel
What Is A Smart Lock?
According to the NSW Police Force Home Safe Report, “[A] large number of break and enter crimes are easily preventable. By introducing a number of simple and inexpensive changes to your home, you can play an active role in reducing the chances of this happening in your home.”
Your front door security is a good place to start – and a smart lock gives your door the ultimate protection.
“A smart lock is a secure lock with multiple ways to unlock it – choose from pin, fingerprint, Bluetooth app and key access, all of which add layers of security to your home,” David Linehan says.
Prone to losing the keys? A smart lock is the safe and secure alternative to the old spare-key-under-the-pot hiding spot. It’s also handy to let the babysitter or the cleaner in with a one-time temporary key code sent via the app for your peace of mind.
Shop Home Security
eufy Security Smart Door Lock Touch
eufy 2K Floodlight Security Camera (White)
Ring Outdoor Camera Pro Plug-In
What deliveries have you got on the way? Keep your packages and property safe with the latest security cameras, video doorbells and home security devices. Visit The Good Guys in-store and online to protect your home.
