After a package he ordered for Mother’s Day was stolen from his porch, Brandon Mejia, a 22-year-old welder from Frederick, Maryland, created a secure delivery box. He was in the shower when the necklace he bought for his mom was taken, prompting him to search for secure delivery solutions online. Finding most options too expensive or complex, Brandon decided to build his own.
Using $100 worth of stainless steel and his welding skills, he constructed a waterproof box with help from his father. The box includes an automatic locking mechanism that activates once a package is placed inside and the lid is closed. It can only be opened using a four-digit code, ensuring security for delivered items.
Since installing the box, Brandon reports that around 15 packages have arrived safely. He painted the box black, added a keypad lock, and placed delivery company logo stickers on it as a guide for delivery workers. He shares that many commercial lockboxes are lightweight and can be stolen, so he recommends heavier materials or anchoring the box for added protection.
Porch pirate steals packages from porch. Shot in Moreno Valley, California.Photo: AvailableLight / iStock / Getty Images