Porch pirates refer to illegal activity when a person steals the delivered packages outside someone’s home. Americans lost almost 241 million packages that cost around $15.7 billion in 2024. The average price of those parcels was $65 to $100. Porch pirates affect people’s decision to purchase online. 44% stopped purchasing online, and 29% people switched to retail shops. Google Nest doorbell helps to prevent porch pirates with its motion-sensitive, video-capturing, package detection, and two-way audio features. It detects unusual activity within the selected activity zone and sends alerts. These doorbells provide a video history of events to download and share as evidence. 

How Nest Doorbell Deters Package Thieves

Here are the four ways in which the Nest doorbell deters package thieves:

1. Video Monitoring: Google Nest doorbell records everything happening outside. These video recordings can be accessed via the Google Home App. Video capturing abilities vary depending on the basis of wireless and wired Nest doorbells. Wireless doorbells record even when the power is off due to the battery, and wired doorbells record in better quality. The free version of the Google Home app keeps the videos up to 3 hours. Upgrade to Standard Nest Aware for 30 days of video history and Nest Aware Plus for 60 days. Make sure to manually download them in Google Photos to save them permanently.
2. Motion Alerts: Nest doorbells provide motion alerts when someone passes. This feature helps owners to see if someone is at the door or stealing packages. Adjust the motion sensitivity to medium or high, depending on the local area. High sensitivity detects a person, car, or animal even on roads. Medium sensitivity works best to avoid unnecessary alerts.
3. Two-Way Audio Communication: The Google Nest doorbell has a two-way audio feature to communicate with the person at the door. It helps owners to talk to the visitors or thieves who try to steal packages. It works best for warning them that the camera is recording them. 
4. Night Vision: High Dynamic Range (HDR) of the Nest doorbell allows it to record even at night. It has high-power IR LEDs that capture a clear view of thieves up to 10 feet away from the doorbell. Nest Doorbell provides black and white video recordings in night view, and its night vision adjusts automatically. 

How to Set Up Package Detection Alerts

Go to the devices from the Google Home App and tap on the Nest doorbell. Tap on the three-dot menu in the top right corner and go to the settings. Navigate to the notifications, and there is a package detection alert below this. Toggle the “Package” button ON until it turns blue. Turn on the package detection from seen events. 

Set an activity zone from settings and drag the lines to select an area. Make sure to select the front area where delivery packages are kept. Avoid dragging the sidewalks and roads in the activity zone. It creates chaos and provides unnecessary alerts on boxes.

How Two-Way Talk Helps Deter Porch Pirates

Communicate with the person at the door via the two-way audio feature of the Nest doorbell. Use Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show with a live camera view. Tap on the microphone icon and talk to the delivery guy about where to leave the parcel. It is recommended to keep track of orders and what they are going to dispatch to avoid porch pirates. This communication feature acts as a reminder to thieves that the camera is watching them. Many of them leave the parcels and run to hide their faces being caught.

How Can You Review and Share Security Footage From Your Nest Doorbell?

Go to the live camera on the Google Home app and tap on the video history on the left side. Drag the video left and right to find the specific event clip. Click on the event details above the clip to download it. The video automatically downloads to Google Photos and can be shared on different platforms from there. It acts as evidence against thieves and also helps owners to see what happened when they were away. Purchase the Nest Aware subscription to extend the duration of video history in the Google Home App.

How Does the Nest Doorbell Integrate With Other Google Security Devices?

Nest doorbell integrates with Nets cam to record the front door from different angles. It covers a broader angle and keeps an eye on the roads in front of the home. Nest Doorbell works best with the Nest Hub display. It makes it easy to talk to the person via voice commands and access the live feed. It is a two-in-one system with Google Assistant and a smart display. 

Nest Doorbell connects with Nest Protect in emergencies. It records a video clip in case of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm. It also makes automatic security adjustments when there is no one at home with Nest Aware routines. Nest doorbell changes the color of light after detecting unusual activity with the integration of other devices at home.

What are the Tips for Maximizing Porch Security

Here are the three tips for maximizing porch security:

1. Position the doorbell: Position the doorbell at a specific angle to cover the package and the faces of people ringing. Installing the doorbell above 4 feet from the ground is recommended.
2. Keep firmware updated: Keep the firmware updated to avoid breaches, bugs, and lags in video recordings. These updates bring new features and increase the performance of Nest doorbells.
3. Use visible camera placement: Don’t install a hidden Nest camera. Set up the doorbell with a security sign or status light to show that the owner is watching. It conveys vigilance, and thieves alter their decision.