Delivery drivers navigate neighborhoods every day, delivering packages to homes with varying levels of security. Their frequent exposure provides a unique perspective on what makes a home look secure versus vulnerable. What they observe doesn’t just impact how safe they feel while delivering—it also highlights subtle cues that might catch a burglar’s eye. Here’s an inside look into the vulnerabilities delivery drivers spot and how homeowners can fix them to protect their property.

The Driver’s Observation: What Makes a Home Look Unsafe?

Delivery drivers notice patterns and details that may escape the average homeowner. The following common vulnerabilities repeatedly catch their attention:

1. Poor Lighting
   Unlit porches and dim driveways immediately stand out. Homes with minimal or no outdoor illumination give the impression of inactivity, which appeals to potential intruders. For delivery drivers, it also makes finding addresses difficult and reduces their own sense of safety.
   Tip: Install motion-activated lights around entryways, driveways, and backyards. Ensure porch lights are on during evenings to increase visibility. Bright, consistent lighting deters unwanted attention.
2. Packages Left Unattended
   Piles of uncollected packages are a glaring sign of vulnerability. They suggest that no one is home—or worse, that security isn’t prioritized. Unattended parcels tempt opportunistic porch pirates who prey on homes with easy pickings.
   Tip: Invest in a lockable parcel drop box or opt for package lockers provided by delivery services. Alternatively, request deliveries to a monitored location, such as a workplace or secure pickup hub.
3. Unkempt Appearance
   An overgrown lawn, broken fences, or cluttered porches signal neglect, which burglars interpret as a lack of vigilance. Even subtle cues, like trash bins left out for days, can create the impression that a property is unmonitored.
   Tip: Regular maintenance goes a long way. Mow the lawn, fix broken fencing, and keep porches neat. A well-kept exterior projects an image of attention and care.
4. No Visible Security Measures
   Homes lacking visible deterrents like cameras, alarms, or “Protected by Security” signs are perceived as easier targets. Delivery drivers notice when no cameras are present, and burglars do too. Security indicators—even when they’re purely psychological—make homes appear less vulnerable.
   Tip: Install security cameras near entry points and display signs or window decals indicating a monitored alarm system. Even if the system isn’t activated, these measures are enough to make most burglars think twice.

The Perspective: How Small Changes Make a Big Difference

For delivery drivers, a well-lit, tidy, and visibly secure home feels safe—not just for them, but in general. They gravitate toward properties where risks appear minimized, whether through thoughtful lighting, attended packages, or signs of a security-conscious homeowner.

Interestingly, their observations closely align with recommendations from security professionals. Emphasizing visibility and deterrence remains the cornerstone of modern home security, and delivery drivers unknowingly echo this wisdom.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

Understanding how your property appears through the eyes of a delivery driver—or even a passerby—provides actionable insight into improving your home’s security. By addressing these vulnerabilities, you’ll deter not just porch pirates but also more significant threats like burglary.

Quick Actions to Secure Your Home:

• Light It Up: Poor lighting is the most fixable vulnerability. Swap dim bulbs for brighter ones and add motion-activated options for areas like driveways and backyards.
• Handle Packages Smartly: Don’t let packages pile up. Schedule deliveries for when you’re home or use secure alternatives like drop boxes.
• Tidy Up: Routine maintenance signals vigilance. Keep lawns trimmed, walkways clear, and repairs up to date.
• Display Security: Cameras, alarms, and warning signs are easy, effective deterrents. Even simple solutions like a fake camera can have a psychological effect.

The Takeaway: Be Proactive, Stay Secure

Delivery drivers see homes through a unique lens, one that burglars might share. Their observations—poor lighting, unattended packages, unkempt exteriors, and a lack of visible security—highlight vulnerabilities homeowners may overlook. But the good news is that these issues are simple to fix.

Small changes, like adding motion-activated lights or investing in a security camera, can make your home less attractive to opportunistic criminals. Whether you’re aiming to protect packages, your property, or your peace of mind, a proactive approach to security is always worth it.

Take it from someone who sees hundreds of homes a week: the details matter. Let your home be one delivery drivers call safe—and burglars skip.