How to deal correctly with porch pirates?

Unfortunately our building has been hit by quite a few incidents involving stolen parcels in the last few months - our neighbours as well. We don't know if it's someone from inside or outside the building, the thefts usually involve parcels that are carelessly deposited by Poste either outside of the building, or inside in a semi-common area (the main door is often open, as there are also some offices at the ground floor). I know Poste is liable in these cases, and we always got refunded, and in any case we requested to the Poste to not have packages delivered if we're not at home, I hope this will solve the issue albeit adding extra inconvenience. But, I was wondering, what is the proper way to deal with these situations?

We have notified our landlord agency, they said they cannot do anything. We have reported to the police, they said they cannot do anything and suggested to write a letter to the agency. Installing a hidden camera to catch the thief is clearly out of the question.

But, I was wondering, how about (hypothetically) a hidden tracker in a decoy parcel? I think it would not be dissimilar from having a bike stolen with a tracker on it. But obviously the question is, what happens next? Let's say I call the police and say "hey, I tracked the thief, it's here, please come and check". Would this get me in trouble for any reason?

Opinions? Did anyone have any similar experience? Thanks!

1. Put a printed sign at the door specifically requesting that the delivery persons do not deposit anything due to theft.

2. Put a non-hidden camera. It's a deterrent.

You really can't catch the thief 'in the act'..... you need a deterrent so that they move on to somewhere else...

Proper way to deal with lost parcels? Pickmup service from Post + Migros: https://www.migros.ch/en/content/service-pickmup

But, what did “really” happen? What’s the plot twist this time?

What use would that be? You’d maybe catch one person but it’s hardly likely that it’s the same person stealing the packages every time.

Plus they may not even steal that particular parcel.

1) I cannot do, the Hausmeister removes all notices that are affixed to the door, apparently it's not allowed. However I hope it's not gonna be necessary now that we notified Poste to not leave packages out.

2) it's a good idea! But I'm afraid the agency will not like it, they'll probably remove it as well. Maybe I can ask them, trying won't hurt.

Oh, come on, don't tell me you're still sour for that did that conversation really continue? Lemme go to check, I'll reply there. EDIT: oh gosh, no, I just realized that conversation went completely out of control, I'm not gonna reply and poor fuel on that fire. Please believe me that I had absolutely no idea people would get heated about the religious topic, otherwise I would have really used a "carnival" example. Anyway, I promise there is no plot twist this time, as I said it's just out of curiosity, "hypothetically", i.e., how is the proper "Swiss way" to deal with these problems.

Just to be clear, I'm talking hypothetically, I don't want to do it, I was just wondering what the consequences would be in terms of personal liability etc.

Homeowner Sets Up Booby Trap for Porch Pirates Stealing Packages

There was a nice one on Facebook where someone filled Amazon packages with used cat litter and put them outside

There is a whole series of these, worth watching bc they are funny… although I don’t think you can buy them just yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo

Thanks everyone for the laughs but, just to be clear, I'm wondering what happens if one uses a tracker to locate the thief and then reports the thief's location to the police.

We had this too in our last place and we knew exactly who it was ...

We were informed we were not allowed to set up a camera like you see on social media in other places. Never thought of a tracker ...

I would just not allow packages to be delivered without signature, most sites will allow you to choose this option, all though it is more expensive.

Good luck!

Would the offices on the ground floor be willing to receive your parcels for you? That'd depend on their business, their personal attitudes, etc., but it might be worth asking.

Probably nothing! Unless it can be tracked to an individual house, it's very hard to trace when it's one apartment in a multiple apartment block. I can't see the police knocking on every door and even then they'd need search warrants.

not sour, just teasing

About the GPS, some people seem to have that level of commitment to an idea, and somehow it worked, look:

https://www.20min.ch/story/nachbar-m…t-106006328449

But, also read this part. I think the person in the article got good legal advice, it’s really good at planning and executing a plan, and probably has a good amount of social capital in his community (police will listen).

Maybe I’m a pessimist, but I don’t think everyone can pull this trick off. I know I’d make a mistake along the way and end up being questioned by the police too

Who needs special stickers for your rubbish when ideas like this exist

Oh, this is interesting!

Just put up a couple of fake cameras with stickers saying the location is under 24/7 video surveillance.

Divert all incoming parcels to la post’s boxes.

Have you heard of PickPost? I get an email before each delivery and I can redirect it to a PickPost pickup point like Migros or Denner. Its only for orders in Switzerland.

https://www.post.ch/en/receiving-mai…st-24/pickpost

Be nice to your neighbours- pays off.

I'm willing to bet that the OP's porch pirate is the same person, each time. Maybe set out a few fake packages full of something really nasty and see if they take the bait and back off. I'd be willing to donate some of my husband's unwashed socks.