How to Prevent Package Theft in Apartments

Package theft isn’t just a problem for houses — multi-family properties are at risk too.

People often associate porch pirates with residential homes. But package theft can (and does) happen at multi-family residential properties. In fact, multi-family properties may be at even greater risk of package theft.

In any apartment complex, the sheer volume of people coming and going — residents, delivery personnel, friends, family, staff, contractors, and so on — means that even a locked lobby door can’t always keep crime out.

Unfortunately, renters aren’t always able to take action to prevent multi-family package theft. But as a property owner or manager, there are many strategies, tools, and services you can adopt to keep your package room safe.

5 ways to prevent package theft in multifamily properties

As a property owner or manager, you have a responsibility to keep the building clean, well-maintained, and secure. In fact, under the concept of reasonable care, you are legally required to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of your tenants.

Your residents should have a reasonable expectation of safety and security in exchange for their rent or condo fees. That applies to their packages and mail, too.

But what can you do to deliver on that promise? Here are some actionable strategies to prevent multi-family package theft.

1. Enforce access control measures

In other words, restricting who can enter and exit your building is the first step in keeping your residents’ packages safe.

Here are some ways to implement access control across your property:

• Install electronic keypads or card access systems
• Use intercom systems for visitor verification
• Employ security personnel for monitoring entry points
• Implement video surveillance at entrances
• Use smart locks on doors
• Install motion-sensor lighting at entry points
• Require ID badges for contractors and maintenance staff

Make sure every point of entry is a controlled point of entry. No one should be able to simply walk in from the street.

→ Security tip: Modern control and intercom systems can create a temporary delivery pass, a one-time code given to the delivery person for access. They can also generate a unique delivery PIN, permanently assigned to each courier like FedEx, UPS, Purolator, and DHL. These tools allow access only to authorized individuals and maintain a digital record of who was present and when, in case of theft.

2. Create a package room

At its most basic, a package room is simply a locked room to store packages until the recipient can collect them. It need not be any more complicated than that. Of course, that would require someone on-site to physically put the packages into the room, which may not be an option.

Smart package rooms are equipped with touchscreens and smart locks. Couriers access them with a delivery code or by scanning the package itself. They deposit the packages, and recipients can pick them up at their convenience.

Couriers often prefer secure package rooms to lockers because rooms allow them to leave all of their packages in one place rather than door-by-door, saving time and money. Many locker providers also have room solutions, too. Luxer One and Package Concierge are two examples.

Of course, if all of the packages are in the room together, this option can’t prevent those with access to the room from stealing other people’s items. For that, you’d need package lockers.

3. Install package lockers

These lockers offer individual slots for packages, each accessible only by the recipient using a unique code or via a smartphone app. This helps minimize the risk of package theft since only authorized individuals can access specific compartments.

Here’s how it works: These compartmentalized structures have cubbies of various sizes and open with either a key or code provided to couriers. When the courier has a delivery, they open the locker assigned to the recipient and deposit the package. Then the recipient is notified by either the courier or the locker itself.

Package lockers can be set up both inside and outside, offering flexible solutions that fit different building layouts and user needs. Providers like Amazon Hub Locker and Parcel Pending offer customizable options that can be adjusted to fit various property sizes and security needs, making it easy to integrate into existing setups.

4. Hire a door attendant or concierge

Another option — albeit a potentially expensive one — is to hire a door attendant or concierge for the main lobby.

These individuals can help residents as needed. But they can also act as the first line of defense against unwanted intruders. They can buzz delivery personnel in, sign for packages, securely store the items, and notify residents that their package has arrived.

If a live concierge is outside of your budget, you might consider a virtual one. Companies like 1Valet can provide a virtual concierge system as a more affordable option. What’s more, many of these services include a package delivery management system that lets couriers in, scans packages, provides temporary access to secure lockers, and notifies the recipient via a mobile app. It’s like having a concierge on duty at all times. The downside, of course, is that real humans are smarter than a piece of technology.

RELATED POST: Is Hiring Security Guards Worth It for Your Business?

5. Install security cameras

Surveillance cameras are a must-have tool in any multi-family property security system.

Strategically placed security cameras in common areas, hallways, and entry points can act as a strong deterrent to criminal activity. Not only do they enhance the sense of security among residents, but they also provide valuable evidence in case of any incidents.

But what if a camera could not only record, but also actively stop package thefts in progress? AI-powered security cameras like Deep Sentinel meld tech and human guards to identify and intervene in suspicious activities before they escalate.

Here’s how it works: These smart cameras can detect unusual behavior and trigger alerts to on-site security personnel or remote surveillance teams who can intervene in real-time. This proactive approach doesn’t just document incidents for later review; it helps prevent them from happening in the first place.

Watch Deep Sentinel stop a real package theft:

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How can apartment residents prevent package theft?

As a renter or unit owner, you can take proactive steps to protect your packages beyond what the building is doing for everyone.

• Request a signature upon delivery, especially for big-ticket items
• Use a third-party service like Doorman
• Schedule deliveries for when you know you’ll be home
• Provide delivery instructions specifying a safe or secure location to leave the package.
• Use a nearby Amazon Pickup or Hub Locker location
• Use delivery tracking available through most major couriers
• Consider a product like DoorBox or Package Guard if allowed

(Building managers, it’s a good idea to share these tips with your tenants.)

RELATED POST: How to Stop Porch Pirates from Stealing Your Packages

Deep Sentinel offers the most effective protection against package theft.

Deep Sentinel works closely with property managers nationwide to provide multi-family residential security solutions that deliver real-time intervention and deterrence tactics.

By integrating advanced AI technology with the expertise of live security guards, Deep Sentinel ensures rapid response to any potential security threats. The system’s capability to identify suspicious activities and involve human operators means that security breaches are addressed before they can develop into serious incidents.

This advanced layer of protection not only reduces the risk of theft but also enhances the overall safety of residential environments. Property managers can equally benefit from detailed incident reports and analytics, providing insights into security trends and areas for improvement.

Protect your perimeter and points of entry from break-ins, vandalism, theft, loitering, and other intruders with live monitoring that prevents crime before it happens.

Learn more at deepsentinel.com or call 833.517.1609 for a free quote.