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Package Guard takes alarming approach to porch pirates

Package Guard takes alarming approach to porch pirates
The Package Guard is one of the more straightforward solutions we've looked at when it comes to protecting deliveries
The Package Guard is one of the more straightforward solutions we've looked at when it comes to protecting deliveries
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As the courier places a package on the disc, the Wi-Fi connected Package Guard arms an alarm that can only be disabled by replying to an automated text or email with the word OFF
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As the courier places a package on the disc, the Wi-Fi connected Package Guard arms an alarm that can only be disabled by replying to an automated text or email with the word OFF
The Package Guard is one of the more straightforward solutions we've looked at when it comes to protecting deliveries
2/3
The Package Guard is one of the more straightforward solutions we've looked at when it comes to protecting deliveries
Measuring around the same size as a frisbee, the Package Guard is powered by four AA batteries
3/3
Measuring around the same size as a frisbee, the Package Guard is powered by four AA batteries
View gallery - 3 images

Compulsive shoppers aren't the only ones benefitting from the rise of online retailers, with unattended packages providing plenty of opportunity for porch plunderers. The Package Guard is a simple solution designed to scare off shady characters by sounding an alarm when a delivery is removed by someone other than the intended recipient.

Measuring around the same size as a frisbee, the Package Guard is powered by four AA batteries and can be planted on a front porch to provide a temporary home for incoming deliveries. When the courier places a package on the disc, the Wi-Fi-connected Package Guard sends an email or text message to let the owner know a delivery has arrived and arms an alarm that is only disabled when they reply to the message with the word "OFF."

Measuring around the same size as a frisbee, the Package Guard is powered by four AA batteries
Measuring around the same size as a frisbee, the Package Guard is powered by four AA batteries

If the package is removed beforehand, then the alarm is triggered. Said to be as loud as a fire or car alarm, this blaring deterrent won't be enough to guarantee the safety of the package, but certainly won't make life easier for thieves either.

The Package Guard follows other approaches to securing packages, such as connected mailboxes and larger security containers, though it must be said, it is one of the more straightforward solutions we've looked at. As a result it comes a lighter price tag, with its makers promising backers of its Kickstarter campaign (which kicks off on March 8 US time) a Package Guard for an early pledge of US$40 (expected retail price is $79). Setting out to raise $45,000, the team hopes to ship in September 2016 if the campaign runs as planned.

You can check out the pitch video below.

Source: Package Guard

Package Guard: How to Stop Package Theft

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4 comments
4 comments
Daishi
I think surveillance cameras on porches will pretty much become the norm. I don't think a single IoT device makes much more sense than that. I suppose I do enjoy an app for my thermostat but security cameras are at least 2nd place.
GizEngineer
Why not just scoop up the Package Guard with the package, or will it go off if both are snatched?
Bob Flint
So how smart is this system, if the top package is stolen, and the bottom one is left in place, does the system total the weights, impact loads once another is added, stack falls over, or steal the whole thing, & yank out the batteries on your way...
jjsmail
If no one is home - who will care if it alarms? Also - it better have "PACKAGE GUARD" in BIG letters so there is some visible deterrent to a thief. Otherwise, they will just take off with the package when it sounds.
Also - in security videos I have seen the crooks grab and go in just a few seconds. I don't know how an alarm will help.