"Connected" scale protects packages from thieves

Home security cameras have proven useful for all kinds of things, but in the case of theft, cameras mostly just help people try to track down thieves after the actual crime. A Kickstarter campaign for a product called Package Guard wants to help people catch thieves in the act through a “connected” scale that notifies when packages arrive and if anyone is trying to make off with someone’s goods.

The Package Guard is a wireless scale that connects to Wi-Fi and uses four AA batteries that last six to nine months, according to its Kickstarter page. The scale can handle up to 400 pounds and if it detects the weight has decreased by having a package taken off, an alarm will sound. The alarm is deactivated with a text message so the owner can collect the boxes.

The creator, Mike Grabham, has successfully completed the $45,000 target on Kickstarter. Retail price started at $40 during the campaign and was expected to be $80. His idea could now give rise to the actual product and help address a growing problem in developed markets like the US, where packages are routinely left on doorsteps while people are at work. The device might also be suitable for packages inside stores.

There is an appeal in having a “connected” security device that's so simple to set up and use, but that could be a weakness, as well. If a stacked package falls off and sounds the alarm, it could be more annoying than helpful. One way for users to check what's happening is by having a security camera set up in addition to the scale, but the Package Guard doesn't have security camera integration yet. Grabham says it's coming, though. Also, while the scale clearly has "Place Package Here" written on it, deliverers need to know to stack following boxes on top, otherwise it defeats the purpose of the Package Guard. The fact that this product is so niche and specific means there's not a big market for it right now, but there could be. For now, many anti-theft security measures use things like IP cameras and motion sensors.