Preventing Porch Pirates. Best Video Doorbells and Lock Boxes

Why porch theft is a growing problem

More people shop online now than ever. That leads to more packages sitting on doorsteps. A visible camera or a secure lock-box dramatically lowers the chance of theft. (ADT)

Video doorbells and smart lock boxes act together — the doorbell records activity, the lock box keeps your items out of reach. (Savvy Security Cameras)

What a video doorbell does for you

Alerts you when someone approaches your door — even if you’re not home. (ADT)
Lets you see and talk to visitors or delivery people in real time. (HGTV)
Records video (day and night), giving you evidence if something goes wrong. (CPI Security)

Many homeowners combine doorbell cameras with motion-activated lights or sensors. That extra visibility often makes thieves think twice. (Savvy Security Cameras)

✅ Good for: knowing when deliveries arrive, scaring off casual thieves, having video evidence.

⚠️ Alone, doorbells don’t guarantee your package stays safe — someone could still grab a box after it’s dropped.

Why a lock box helps

If a package is hidden in a locked container, thieves can’t just snatch it. These boxes are built weather-resistant, sturdy, and sometimes require a code or app to open. (Residential Systems)

Some lock boxes give carriers a code or access method to place packages securely. Others combine with smart-home systems (or doorbell alerts) so you unlock them only when the delivery driver is there. (Yahoo Tech)

✅ Good for: preventing package theft even if someone sees the delivery.

⚠️ Slight delay for delivery or extra instructions for carriers — but many owners find the trade-off worth it.

Recommended Lock Boxes for Packages

VEVOR Wall‑Mount Lockable Package Box

Lockable wall‑box

$87.90

Step2 Express Package Delivery Box

Basic porch box

$69.99

BOZTIY Extra Large Package Delivery Safe Box

Large porch box

$134.99

Keter Package Delivery Box for Porch

Plastic secure box

$189.99

BenchSentry Secure Smart Locking Package Delivery Porch Box

Smart locking porch box

$187.89

RTS ParcelWirx Horizontal Package Delivery Box

Horizontal box

$116.93

Heavy-Duty Steel Package Delivery Box

Steel secure box

$159.99

Vaultbox Elite Locking Mailbox & Package Box

Premium locking mailbox

$3,699.00

Highlights

VEVOR Wall‑Mount Lockable Package Box — Solid steel construction and weather resistance give good protection against theft and the elements.
Step2 Express Package Delivery Box — Simple solution for small to medium deliveries. Easy to install and convenient if you don’t need heavy-duty security.
BOZTIY Extra Large Package Delivery Safe Box — Roomy box for bulk orders or larger parcels. Adequate weather protection and durable build.
BenchSentry Secure Smart Locking Package Delivery Porch Box — Locks automatically for deliveries and can be controlled by phone. Handy if you want a more tech-integrated setup.

These boxes help ensure packages remain secure until you’re home to retrieve them. They’re especially useful for frequent shoppers or areas with high theft risk.

Combining doorbells and lock boxes — why that works

A camera alone can record a theft or deter some thieves. But if someone still tries to take a package, a lock box physically protects it.
The sight of a camera combined with a locked container signals to thieves that stealing will take time or risk getting caught. That alone deters many. (Savvy Security Cameras)
Smart-home integration — motion alerts, remote unlocks, two-way audio — gives you control over deliveries even when you’re away. (Yahoo Tech)

This layered approach — visibility, deterrence, and secure storage — reduces odds of theft by a large margin.

Extra tips that help

Action	Benefit
Ask retailers for delivery with signature	Ensures packages aren’t left unattended. (Alfred Camera)
Have packages sent to a trusted neighbor or public locker	Removes them from your porch altogether. (Alfred Camera)
Install motion-activated lights near door/porch	Light discourages thieves at night or dawn. (HGTV)
Avoid leaving empty boxes visible outside	Prevents advertising you shop frequently — thieves often target houses that regularly receive packages.

Core Setup: What You Need

This kit uses three parts that work well together. A video doorbell gives awareness. A lock box keeps deliveries secure. Lighting and signage push thieves away before they get close.

1. Video Doorbell (Primary Alert Layer)

Recommended Options

Wyze Battery Doorbell HD Plus – Low cost, wide field of view, fast alerts.
eufy C30 2K Doorbell – Higher clarity and local storage.
Arlo Video Doorbell HD – Good app features and smooth motion alerts.

How to set it up

Position it so the lens sees the porch and walkway.
Turn on motion alerts and package-detection mode.
Set notification frequency so you get quick updates without constant buzzing.
Enable night-vision recording for better evening visibility.

Why it helps
You get a clip of anyone approaching the door. Delivery drivers can speak to you if you need to direct them to a box. Thieves often avoid homes with visible cameras.

2. Lock Box (Physical Protection Layer)

Recommended Options

VEVOR Wall-Mount Steel Box – Strong body and easy code access.
Step2 Express Box – Simple and durable for daily deliveries.
BenchSentry Smart Box – App-controlled and locks after each drop.

How to set it up

Place it near the door but not directly in street view.
Set a simple delivery code that you include in carrier notes.
Anchor heavy lock boxes so they can’t be lifted easily.
Add a rubber mat inside to cushion packages.

Why it helps
Even if a thief walks up and sees a recent delivery, the package is locked away. The extra step of trying to break into a box usually makes them leave.

3. Motion Lighting (Visibility Layer)

Recommended Options

Battery-powered LED motion lights for small porches.
Hardwired dual-sensor floodlight for larger entryways.

How to set it up

Aim the lights at the ground and entry path, not at neighbors’ windows.
Pick a short timer setting so lights turn off once nobody is there.
Combine lights with doorbell alerts for better reaction time.

Why it helps
Thieves rely on shadows. A light flipping on makes them feel exposed.

4. Smart Home Rules (Automation Layer)

You can pair your devices so they respond together.

Doorbell detects motion → lights turn on.
Doorbell detects package → send alert to phone.
Lock box unlocked → doorbell records a short clip.

If you use Alexa, Google Home, or HomeKit, these rules take a few minutes to create.

5. Clear Instructions for Delivery Drivers

Drivers often skip secure boxes unless you give simple directions.
Use short notes in your shipping address:

Drop-Off Instructions Template
“Please place packages in the lock box on the porch. Code: ####. Thank you.”

Most carriers follow this when it’s printed on the label.

6. Signs and Deterrents

These signs are cheap and tend to reduce risk:

“All Deliveries Locked for Security.”
“Camera Recording 24/7.”
“Please Place Packages in Box.”

Place them at eye height near the door or next to the lock box.

7. Optional Add-Ons for High-Risk Areas

Outdoor Wi-Fi sensor that alerts you when the lock box is opened or moved.
Secondary side-gate lock if drivers deliver to the back porch.
Smart mailbox for letters and small packages if mail theft is common.
Home hub backup battery so devices stay online during outages.

Example Setup for a Typical Home

Budget Kit

Wyze Battery Doorbell
Step2 Express Box
Two small motion lights
Delivery instructions on file

Mid-Range Kit

eufy 2K Doorbell
VEVOR Steel Lock Box
Hardwired LED floodlight
Smart-home rule: motion → light on + phone alert

Smart Kit

Arlo Doorbell
BenchSentry Smart Box
Floodlight + side camera
App-linked automation for deliveries

Quick Table: Best Uses by Situation

Situation	Best Choice	Reason
Frequent daily deliveries	Smart lock box	Auto-lock after each drop
Night deliveries	Motion floodlight + doorbell	Better visibility for drivers and recording
High-theft neighborhood	Steel lock box + camera	Strong deterrent and secure storage
Apartments or townhomes	Wall-mount box	Small footprint and easy install
Uneven porch layout	Battery doorbell	Flexible placement

Simple Setup Guide (Step-by-Step)

Mount the doorbell near chest height for clear faces and porch view.
Add motion lighting within 6–10 feet of the door.
Place and anchor the lock box on the porch.
Give carriers the lock-box code.
Turn on notifications for the doorbell.
Test one mock delivery to confirm the process works smoothly.

Preventing Porch Pirates. Best Video Doorbells and Lock Boxes

Why porch theft is a growing problem

What a video doorbell does for you

Why a lock box helps

Recommended Video Doorbells

Budget wired doorbell

Budget battery doorbell

Mid‑range battery doorbell

Mid‑range video doorbell

Budget wireless doorbell

Mid‑range 2K doorbell

Wireless doorbell

Wireless doorbell

Highlights

Recommended Lock Boxes for Packages

Lockable wall‑box

Basic porch box

Large porch box

Plastic secure box

Smart locking porch box

Horizontal box

Steel secure box

Premium locking mailbox

Highlights

Combining doorbells and lock boxes — why that works

Extra tips that help

Core Setup: What You Need

1. Video Doorbell (Primary Alert Layer)

2. Lock Box (Physical Protection Layer)

3. Motion Lighting (Visibility Layer)

4. Smart Home Rules (Automation Layer)

5. Clear Instructions for Delivery Drivers

6. Signs and Deterrents

7. Optional Add-Ons for High-Risk Areas

Example Setup for a Typical Home

Quick Table: Best Uses by Situation

Simple Setup Guide (Step-by-Step)