Literally a weak link, that chain material. This box is useless as a security device. What is the point of putting a $50 dead bold on the door if you're going to use $2/yd chain??
It's a neat idea and there's a few alternative mechanisms I can think of that would allow for a bigger package without jamming up but your package is going to have a harsher drop for the effort.
Yeah, that seems to be the way things go. Fortunately, I've never had a package stolen in my current neighborhood, so piles of packages could sit for days and be fine (other than weather).
I think people are missing the point that stealing packages from porches is a crime of speed and opportunity. This reduces both greatly. Unless they were following the truck, they have no way of knowing if there is a package in there or not, and breaking into the box takes more time and effort than just picking something up off the ground.
Locks are to keep assholes from becoming assholes. How hard is it to not take something that is not yours? It's not hard at all and if somebody is still having doubts about what the correct thing to do is you probably wouldn't want your shit nicked either.
Doubtful. Most porch pirates just cruise around looking for packages. They’re not gonna stop, get out of their car, and walk up to a house just to check out a wooden box that just looks like it’s for storage.
This is all assuming that the delivery driver wouldn’t just ignore it to begin with. Hell, the fedex guy would probably just leave it on top of the box just to be an asshole.
Just because FedEx put a forklift fork entirely through a $250,000 SGI Octane system I was sending to Puerto Rico... and then tried to deny the shipment was in their care when it happened - why would I hate them?
Did you remember to state that it must be lifted spoon lift? I mean, forks are for stabbing things. What did you think would happen? Clearly user error. /s
It's also not labeled at all as far as is shown in the video. If I was a driver, I would not be opening random cabinets that obviously have locks on the front.
Both other commenters have a good point! Some delivery people wouldn't be smart enough to lift the lid? Yeah and package size could be an issue! But anyway it is kinda a good idea to ward off package pirate's 📦 ☠️
I seriously recommend watching some videos on package handling inside sorting hubs. If your package does not survive this tiny drop shown here, it did not survive the previous handling anyway.
Keep the trap door as it is (harder to try to reach around with the lid half open) but put the access door on the side, where the trap door won't be in the way.
Any difficulty at all will deter most thieves.. It's why people aren't constantly inside your house stealing your shit. Minor force or no skill whatsoever with lockpicks can open A LOT of the locks people use.
Yep the chains are flimsy and shoud be stronger but these robbers want a quick grab and dash as not to be seen by neighbours etc. Any inconvenience that slows that process down and makes their actions more noticeable is welcome.
I think porch pirates drive around until they see a package sitting on a porch and then they take it. With this box there's no way to know if there's anything in it or not unless they see the delivery being made.
That's how almost all theft deterrants are, really. Almost every lock can be bypassed in seconds if you put some effort into it. It's there to make a thief decide whether it's worth the risk that the effort would expose them to.
Yeah. You can try to conceal your face from my camera while snatching a loose box from the porch, but good luck trying to disassemble my package cabinet without getting identified or spotted.
I have something similar "unsafe" for packages. 1) they stay dry. 2) i get packages from the neighbourhood 3) the camera registered less trespassers at the door as they can't tell if there is a package or not in it. So no easy grab and dash. (down from 20-30 in 6 month since installing the Camera to 1 in 3 years after installing the Box)
True, but Porch Pirates are usually just opportunistic scavengers, they don't usually go equipped. And if they're tooled up, a claw hammer or pry bar could defeat the hinges too. You'd never make it completely thiefproof, so make it inconvenient.
I have a Packet box which you can pry open with a sturdy flathead screwdriver. I have a camera at the Door were the Box is. Since i have a new modern lock at the Door and the Box the incidents the camera reportet poeple there beside the postman went down from 2-4 to less then 1 per year. And bigger packages are regulary putt behind the trashcan which are next to the Packet Box. So only seeing from the sidewalk "Packet Box" reduced trespassing, even if the latch is out of mild steel and bendable
I’ve never quite figured this one out- when I catch the thieves on camera, then what? I show their face to the cops and they send out an APB?? I post it on Nextdoor?? Will the media show it in the news for me??? WHO IS THIS GUY WHO TOOK MY AMAZON????
languex
Our last driver tossed the box from the street in the general direction of our front door.
TattoosAndTENS
Read through the comments before posting mine, and tbh y'all are too optimistic about humanity.
My first thought was: this will fill up with both plastic bags of dog poop and also unbagged human feces SO FAST
Like, if someone doesn't take a shxt in this box before it's been up for 24 hours, I'd be pleasantly surprised.
At the very least, I expect that one dog and one human male will pee on, or in, this box within 2 days of its installation.
Good luck to this guy
slinks360
I setup my new garage door opener with amazon. they use a one time code to deliver in there
stronomer
Funny how I never had any box stolen, bc here the delivery drivers are paid to hand out packages in person, not just put them in front of doors.
NomadUniverse
Literally a weak link, that chain material. This box is useless as a security device. What is the point of putting a $50 dead bold on the door if you're going to use $2/yd chain??
messedabout
How heavy is that box? Is it drilled into the cement? Around here that pretty box would be long gone
skipweasel
Nice, but it'd only take a firm shove to break those chains loose. Something a bit beefier and it'd be spiffy
f85fw6xrhs
Chains - weak link...
baecaughtmewhackin
Hope you don't have a slightly bigger box that just jams everything up making it impossible to get to either way.
PotatoPirateTheThird
the flap could be on a bi-directional hinge so you can pull it out if needed
idonthaveauser
Yeah, that's a huge design flaw. The device is 5 times the size of the largest package it can handle.
Vebrandsson
It's a neat idea and there's a few alternative mechanisms I can think of that would allow for a bigger package without jamming up but your package is going to have a harsher drop for the effort.
2016ChevyMalibu
Could put a little pad down there
ChewyTheWookie
idonthaveauser
Just make something to lock the lid when a package is present and you don't need that flap.
sfrinlan
You must not have seen how many packages end up on my porch some days
servingmytimeinusersub
I have a smart lock on my garage, each delivery company has its own code. They rarely use it.
sfrinlan
Yeah, that seems to be the way things go. Fortunately, I've never had a package stolen in my current neighborhood, so piles of packages could sit for days and be fine (other than weather).
turkeydonkey
Me the idiot seeing them open the bottom: "What's the second door for?"
ItsStillJustTina
That's to prevent you from getting your large packages out of the box.
LydiaLPineault
That's the locked door that the dwelling owner has the key to! They are just showing you how it works! 🔑
whatsisname
Maybe also stop patronizing the company that is fighting hard to unravel society, for profit.
xizar
Not everyone has that luxury. It's safer to get clothes from them than to be seen as a man buying women's clothing in a lot of the country.
whatsisname
Amazon is the only online clothes vendor?
xizar
Are you role-playing as the "And yet I see you participate in society" guy?
Ryyyyyyyan
I think people are missing the point that stealing packages from porches is a crime of speed and opportunity. This reduces both greatly. Unless they were following the truck, they have no way of knowing if there is a package in there or not, and breaking into the box takes more time and effort than just picking something up off the ground.
CarlBassett
Yep, you're not trying to foil Oceans Eleven here. You're just making the house down the street with a package look quicker and easier.
zaph2o
nice concept, needs a lot of refinement in the security and box size compatibility area, but very inspiring
Astral134
This is where you deposit your crops to get them sold at night.
amskray68
I'd just yank off the lid and push down
Dissipo
Lock picking lawyer drools at the chance
G081
Locks are to keep honest people honest.
Maelwrath
Locks are to keep assholes from becoming assholes. How hard is it to not take something that is not yours? It's not hard at all and if somebody is still having doubts about what the correct thing to do is you probably wouldn't want your shit nicked either.
WhatzitTooya
Opportunity makes thieves.
morningxafter
It’s also to keep lazy dishonest people out. Which, perfectly describes porch pirates.
xizar
Locks don't keep them out. If you're lucky, it just slows them down.
morningxafter
Doubtful. Most porch pirates just cruise around looking for packages. They’re not gonna stop, get out of their car, and walk up to a house just to check out a wooden box that just looks like it’s for storage.
NomadUniverse
But this box literally isn't locked. It might have a lock on it, but it's by no means locked with that flimsy chain.
morningxafter
This is all assuming that the delivery driver wouldn’t just ignore it to begin with. Hell, the fedex guy would probably just leave it on top of the box just to be an asshole.
God I fucking hate fedex.
relsky
If I've learned anything in my 40+ years on this shithole planet, it's this:
Fedex hates you, too.
morningxafter
Truth.
railgap
Just because FedEx put a forklift fork entirely through a $250,000 SGI Octane system I was sending to Puerto Rico... and then tried to deny the shipment was in their care when it happened - why would I hate them?
volock
Did you remember to state that it must be lifted spoon lift? I mean, forks are for stabbing things. What did you think would happen? Clearly user error. /s
sfrinlan
It's also not labeled at all as far as is shown in the video. If I was a driver, I would not be opening random cabinets that obviously have locks on the front.
gIoblobbIobgob
FedEx would leave a failed delivery note in the drop box 🤣
morningxafter
Lol
v
CarlBassett
morningxafter
I’ve actually found USPS far more reliable than any of the corporate ones.
WarKittyKat
I would like an indoor version of this please. The four-footed little thief just broke open a plastic tub with a latched lid.
AgamemnonsMemes
I'd be worried about breakables but yeah, thats cool.
railgap
Someone would just steal that whole box.
Raileks
Or smash it open.
LydiaLPineault
Both other commenters have a good point! Some delivery people wouldn't be smart enough to lift the lid? Yeah and package size could be an issue! But anyway it is kinda a good idea to ward off package pirate's 📦 ☠️
CorvidPrime
As long as your package isn’t fragile…
drziod
Nah they are normally made of rubber will be fine
CorvidPrime
https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTY1YjkxZmJlNmNtaHQ5eG95ZmUwZ2s0cm54ajE3dTNweDN1MHVkY3BhbTJheGE0ZCZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/rY2eCrH3wWAFuO52Ta/giphy.mp4
bittenicht39
I seriously recommend watching some videos on package handling inside sorting hubs. If your package does not survive this tiny drop shown here, it did not survive the previous handling anyway.
mrpink83
...must be Italian!
CorvidPrime
Found Dory
JaceCameron
Anyone know where I can get the blue prints to build one of these?
railgap
Make them yourself. You can do it.
JaceCameron
Yes. Thats what blue prints are for. So I can make it myself. Glad you understood that. Got any direction?
ScrippyChan
Don't waste your time and money. Your mail people are just gonna ignore it like ours did.
JaceCameron
Thanks. But I'm pretty sure I have a solution. Do you have any clues where to get blue prints?
ScrippyChan
We had a similar unit for a while. Parcel carriers refuse to use these. What a waste of money that was.
4t0m1c4
it needs another compartment below for the goods, while opening the front door releases bees.
TeelMoobeel
we all need more bees
PaddyPatrick
They shoulda put the trap door 180 degrees around, that way when you open the base you don’t have to move the door outta your way.
CarlBassett
Keep the trap door as it is (harder to try to reach around with the lid half open) but put the access door on the side, where the trap door won't be in the way.
charondaboatman
Looks cool. But, just yank the chains and you’re in.
giraffinator
The inconvenience and not fully knowing if there's a parcel in there might be just enough
malakim
Porch pirates live by getting in and out quickly. This is gonna deter 90% of them.
DancingSwine
Also there might be a legal difference between stealing something off the floor and breaking in into something to steal
mrputter
This is the chainpicking lawyer, and what I have for you today is...
TheNLK
Any difficulty at all will deter most thieves.. It's why people aren't constantly inside your house stealing your shit. Minor force or no skill whatsoever with lockpicks can open A LOT of the locks people use.
iwin
I’d take the entire wooden box. I have a dolly and straps in my shopping cart
TeelMoobeel
...because hey, free box!
nation543
Yeah. A crowbar and some elbow grease, and this box is now a wildlife shelter.
AgamemnonsMemes
Honestly i wouldn't even bother locking it but yeah
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
Just like a lock, it makes stealing from it less convenient and that's enough of a deterrent for a lot of criminals.
[deleted]
[deleted]
SuperIncoherentRantingMan
Assuming they even bother walking up to check vs walking next door where a box sits easily available on the porch.
HumanCats
Yep the chains are flimsy and shoud be stronger
but these robbers want a quick grab and dash as not to be seen by neighbours etc. Any inconvenience that slows that process down and makes their actions more noticeable is welcome.
IrishRover
Yeah it sticks out like a sore thumb too. Like it was meant to hold a bunch of packages. You know, like exactly what a thief would want.
sfrinlan
Joke's on them. The whole thing is actually just a giant glitter bomb
tgrrdr
I think porch pirates drive around until they see a package sitting on a porch and then they take it. With this box there's no way to know if there's anything in it or not unless they see the delivery being made.
Johnsky
Yep. Replace the chains with tensile steel line and make sure it's through the wood and tack welded to prevent removal without tools.
PorneliusHubertII
The only tool you need is a crowbar to pop those hinges
Cilvaa
Better yet tube steel rods with hinges at each end, and make the whole box steel too.
Asadsadsadclown
Break the box. Bolt cutters on the steel lines. pick the lock. Smash the lock. etc. Passive security only deters the unmotivated.
OurLordLucifer
I imagine the idea is to prevent a quick theft, or just discourage enough so someone steals the neighboring packages. Locks are for honest people
masterbot
Probably opening it quick would do the trick
Johnsky
Tack welded to the steel lines retainer on the other side that is.
livingonagiantfireball
Make the box out of welded stainless steel and have is mounted to the ground with anchor
p7zjnq9gei9000
Replace the wood with steel.
maincarrot
Fill it with concrete, attach some tracks, start'er up and go to town. Bring some emergency grenades with ya.
N0TFR13ND
Or put claymore inside and Watch the show
ThatGareBear
Place a snail in it. Leave the country. The chase never ends.
TheSlouchOfBethlehem
Those chains will stymie all but the most dedicated thieves
Walfas
Nah, the person who made this conveniently made the lid into a lever that is perfectly suited to rip the chains out itself lol
Jagernott
That's how almost all theft deterrants are, really. Almost every lock can be bypassed in seconds if you put some effort into it. It's there to make a thief decide whether it's worth the risk that the effort would expose them to.
sfrinlan
Yeah. You can try to conceal your face from my camera while snatching a loose box from the porch, but good luck trying to disassemble my package cabinet without getting identified or spotted.
Ardranor
The cheapest pair of wire cutters could probably get through those chains in one clip.
Elkarlo1977
I have something similar "unsafe" for packages. 1) they stay dry. 2) i get packages from the neighbourhood 3) the camera registered less trespassers at the door as they can't tell if there is a package or not in it. So no easy grab and dash. (down from 20-30 in 6 month since installing the Camera to 1 in 3 years after installing the Box)
spittytrinkles
True, but Porch Pirates are usually just opportunistic scavengers, they don't usually go equipped. And if they're tooled up, a claw hammer or pry bar could defeat the hinges too. You'd never make it completely thiefproof, so make it inconvenient.
Elkarlo1977
I have a Packet box which you can pry open with a sturdy flathead screwdriver. I have a camera at the Door were the Box is. Since i have a new modern lock at the Door and the Box the incidents the camera reportet poeple there beside the postman went down from 2-4 to less then 1 per year. And bigger packages are regulary putt behind the trashcan which are next to the Packet Box. So only seeing from the sidewalk "Packet Box" reduced trespassing, even if the latch is out of mild steel and bendable
DexPumpkinGod
I’ve never quite figured this one out- when I catch the thieves on camera, then what? I show their face to the cops and they send out an APB?? I post it on Nextdoor?? Will the media show it in the news for me??? WHO IS THIS GUY WHO TOOK MY AMAZON????
sfrinlan
Oh, yeah, no one actually will do anything about it, but the fact that they know their face is captured is enough to deter a lot of porch pirates.