Outsmart Porch Pirates: Using AI Security Systems to Protect Your Deliveries
Published on: March 10, 2024
An estimated 260 million packages vanished in the U.S. last year, many snatched from front porches, often in plain sight of cameras. With the holiday season ramping up, combating package theft is a major concern. In response, UPS is deploying artificial intelligence to outsmart these 'porch pirates.'
A survey found that nearly one in four adults experienced package theft over the past year. This issue is particularly serious when it involves critical items like medication or high-value goods. Tarek Saab, president of Texas Precious Metals, which ships items like silver bars and gold coins, understands the significance of secure deliveries, especially during the gift-giving season.
This year, Saab's company is adopting UPS's new data program, DeliveryDefense, which uses AI to identify addresses that are at a higher risk of theft. This innovative program assesses each recipient's address, generating a score that reflects the likelihood of successful delivery. The scoring system is based on historical delivery data and various other factors.
For addresses deemed high-risk, merchants have the option, with customer consent, to redirect packages to safer locations like UPS Stores or designated pickup points. According to Mark Robinson, president of UPS Capital, approximately 2% of addresses are considered high-risk, yet they represent a significant portion of total package losses.
At Texas Precious Metals, Saab is optimistic about the potential of DeliveryDefense to reduce package theft. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging technological advancements to stay ahead of criminals, highlighting the ongoing battle between sophisticated computing solutions and illicit activities. This technology promises to enhance package security, aiming for fewer thefts and more satisfied customers during the holiday season and beyond.