Gilbert man confident his invention can keep porch pirates away from your deliveries

GILBERT, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- Porch piracy is an epidemic of lawlessness that infuriates online shoppers. There's nothing like expecting a package, getting a delivery confirmation, then discovering there is nothing at your front door, because someone probably stole it.

Police say porch pirates even follow delivery trucks, then snatch a package just after it's delivered, but a Gilbert man says he has the answer to stopping porch piracy.

"It's a very simple product, and it keeps the packages secure until you are ready to take delivery," said Bill Herron with protectdelivery.com.

Herron had a bad experience recently, where porch pirates stole a gift he ordered for his son.

"Amazon delivered it, sent me a picture but by the time I got home, it was gone," said Herron. "Since then, I've made it a mission to come up with something to stop it."

So, Herron came up with the Protect Delivery device. Set up is simple, with no tools needed.

"This is the part that goes under the door, so the strap just slides under your door," said Herron. "The strap is connected at the other side with a cut-proof bag. This bag is heavy duty. it locks to the bag then locks to the door."

Herron says a steel cable inside the strap makes it cut-proof.

"The potential strength of this strap is 14,000 lbs (~6,350.29 kg)," said Herron. "It's strong."

The bag is made from airbag material.

"It's a big bag," said Herron.

When a package arrives, the delivery service driver puts the item in the bag, then padlocks it tight.

"I've actually had one of the drivers knock on my door and say I really like that. I wish all my customers had that," said Herron.

Porch pirates most likey won't take the time to cut through the Protect Delivery bag or strap.

"This crime is people walking by going up to the porch, grabbing a package and taking off, and since I've had this, I've been very fortunate that hasn't happened," said Herron.

Herron's most recent order arrived safe and sound.

"Just an hour ago, UPS brought a package by, a new iPhone I just bought," said Herron. "On a typical day, it would have sat on my porch for eight or nine hours. Now, would it have been there when I got home? That is the stress that this illuminates."

Herron has a patent, and his Protect Delivery device is now for sale online. Hopefully, there won't be a porch pirate waiting when it's delivered.

"There will be additional bags to buy around the holiday, if you are expecting a lot of packages," said Herron.

Project Delivery
https://www.protectdelivery.com/