The security cameras will catch the porch thief, but not prevent the grab-and-snatch.
Loxx Boxx This solution is more proactive, as it secures your deliveries inside a metal box that’s bolted down and under digital lockdown. You’ll receive real-time notifications on your smartphone about delivery deposits and retrieval of content. This will give you peace of mind and a feeling of security.
The solution is almost perfect for the increasing number of porch thefts. You may have to convince the delivery driver to follow your instructions to use the keypad to place your packages. Dealing with delivery people was more challenging than I anticipated during my product testing.
The delivery staff of major last-mile carriers such as UPS, FedEx and local post office routes drivers tend to be cooperative. Independent delivery drivers were a lot more reluctant. I asked several companies to give special instructions to drivers. Many companies told me that drivers are not paid for doing this, or they only get paid if they receive a tip.
Photo by Author
Solves the problem of Porch Pirates
During the pandemic, porch piracy (stealing a parcel from a front door) became a common practice. Stealing deliveries is becoming more common as online shopping continues to grow.
Industry reports claim that more than half of Americans are victims of porch piratery. Recent surveys found that 43% of shoppers reported package thefts and 54% received multiple deliveries in the last 12 months.
A recent E-Commerce Times article estimates that thieves stole 260 millions packages, valued at $19.5 billion in 2022. These packages were stolen from porches and doorways of U.S. residents, as well as mailrooms. story.
Loxx Boxx is a great way to keep your packages safe until you get them in. This is a great solution for families who are away all day on vacations, business trips or even just on a long workday.
Loxx Boxx Specs
These innovative outdoor storage containers are available in two sizes, and many colors.
Standard version or classic models are suitable for personal use. It is a five-cubic-foot metal box measuring 12⅜” W x 24½” H x 16¾” D and starts at $350.
A longer family model provides eight cubic feet of storage measuring 39½” W x 24½” H x 16¾” D. It weighs 68 lbs. Prices start at $399. This unit looks more like a bench.
(Image Credit: Loxx Boxx)
Both styles are available matte brown, beige or red. For initial setup, they have Bluetooth radios. Additional costs can include 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (cellular) or LTE (cellular).
(Image Credit: Loxx Boxx)
Loxx Boxx, like most outdoor monitoring products that offer special features to users, bundles them into a monthly subscription plan after a free 30-day trial. The monthly rates are $1.99 for Wi-Fi configurations and $3.99 for LTE/cellular enabled configurations.
If I lived in an area with high theft rates, I’d be happy to pay the monthly fee.
There is a Workaround for the Costly Option
If you choose not to subscribe, you will be able to limit the services you receive. You can open the box from the app without having to manually enter the code. You’ll also have to set up your notification codes for delivery companies.
After a subscription is purchased, the app generates a code that can be entered based on the last four digits from each individual delivery invoice. This one-time entry code improves security by eliminating codes for similar delivery services.
Benefits include the ability to track delivery via wireless technology. Loxx Boxx will send you real-time updates on your mobile phone to let you know if the lid has been unlocked. A built-in alarm will sound if a porch pirate tries to pry the lid open. This is a deterrent to theft.
App also monitors temperature sensitive items by using onboard heat sensor. This feature comes in handy if you order groceries online or through mail. You can choose the heat threshold that you prefer.
Optionally, you can buy a set of two ice cubes for $30 or a collapsible cooler bag with zipper for $50. The leak-proof bags are rated to hold three or four standard supermarket bags and can support a maximum weight of 30 pounds, according to the manufacturer. Two bags can fill the larger Household Loxx Boxx which has a volume of over 8 cubic feet.
Only One Time Setup
Loxx Boxx installation is divided into two phases. First, you need to download the app in order to gain access to your digital control panel.
You can follow the instructions as long as you have fully charged your included power pack, or optional solar panel. My test unit came with the optional $50 magnetically-attached solar panel.
If you want to charge the internal batteries, then the power pack must be plugged into the hidden plug on the lid. The only charger included is a USB Type C charging cable.
As the unit does not come with a power socket, you will need to ensure that the power pack is always plugged in if the solar panel is not being used. The manufacturer claims that charging the battery is not required as it lasts for up to two months. I did not test this product to confirm its durability.
After the battery is fully charged, you can proceed to the Control Panel Setup. At various stages, you will need to press the digital button to initiate the code-entry process. Sometimes, it is not required. This is a little vague, so you will have to experiment until it works.
You can skip the second part of setup if you prefer not to bolt the metal unit onto the porch. Hardware is included but drilling is necessary.
Since I do not own a porch, I chose a location near my driveway and front entrance. To make a permanent install, I had to take several additional steps as well as build a wooden base underneath the box. The manufacturer could have added a soldered ring to hold a chain, which would allow it to be attached to a permanent structure.
Digital Connection
If you do not plan to use the solar panels, then connect the powerbank to the USB cord first and then insert it in the charging port at the left of the panel. The Loxx Boxx will be closed at this point. Once the box is fully charged, enter the default code provided to unlock it.
The Loxx Boxx will be awake if the power button is flashing green. When fully charged, the battery indicator will be solid green. The battery indicator turns yellow between 30 and 80%, and red below that.
The battery indicator will flash yellow while charging and will glow white solid when fully charged. The LED on the control panel goes to sleep during charging. Press the power button to check the current status.
The Loxx Boxx App can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store by scanning the QR code provided. The app will guide through the registration process.
Follow the instructions in the app to connect your smartphone with the control panel. Follow the instructions to connect your storage box to Wi-Fi or cell network.
It is important to follow directions
Please note that cellular can be selected as an alternative. After you select a network, you can’t change it. You are told to select Wi-Fi before anything else. This may cause problems if you wish to use the cellular network.
Tip: Be sure to have your network credentials written on a piece of paper or copied onto a notepad in your phone. This window is short. Loxx Boxx can enter a feedback cycle if your credentials are not entered correctly the first time. The Wi-Fi network must be 2.4GHz and listed in order.
The app will not allow you to do this. Continue following the directions to convert the master code into your own code. The starter pamphlet includes YouTube videos that show you how to create personalized codes and delivery instructions for drivers.
After completing the set-up procedure, do not forget to follow the instructions for testing your new code. If you do not create the new code correctly, and then close the lid of your Loxx Boxx after completing the setup procedure, you will be locked out.
