Brandon Mejia built his own secure box for packages-SWNS

A 22-year-old has built his own secure box for delivery packages after having a parcel stolen by a ‘porch pirate’.

Frustration swelled last year after Brandon Mejia lost a sentimental delivery to thieves. He had ordered a necklace for Mother’s Day and it was stolen while he was in the shower, shortly after it was delivered.

He researched online intending to buy a secure box, but found the best available options too complicated or expensive.

Using his welding experience, he teamed up with his father and spent $100 on stainless steel to build his own custom security box for just $100 (£73).

The box has an automatic locking mechanism, that only locks after a package is put inside. It stays open for the delivery people and once the parcel is placed inside and the lid is shut, it locks automatically—and can only be opened using a personal four-digit code.

“We’ve been using the box since December 2024 and it’s been working great,” said Brandon from Frederick, Maryland.

D.I.Y. POWER: Man Builds an Electricity-Generating Windmill in His Own Garden

Brandon Mejia, making his security box – SWNS

“I’d say we’ve had about 15 packages delivered in that time and they’ve all arrived safely.

“As a welder, I know where to buy the materials for a project like this, how to cut metals and I already have the necessary tools. Once the steel sections were cut, I welded them together from both the outside and inside to make the box waterproof.

“I then painted it black, so it wouldn’t attract too much attention, and attached the lid with the built-in automatic keypad lock.

“To make it clear to delivery drivers, I also added some delivery company logo stickers I found online and placed the box outside my door.”

Most lockboxes cost between $100 and $300, but you’ll have to pay a little more if you want high-quality smart features or keypads.

Some of the boxes for sale are quite lightweight and thieves can simply carry them away. So if you are looking to secure your packages, the heavier the box is, the better—or attach the box to the porch somehow.

CLEVER: Man Used 80 Discarded Vape Batteries to Power an Electric Scooter Proving the Importance of E-Waste

Watch Brandon’s DIY video below…

SUGGEST A PROJECT By Sharing the Idea With Friends on Social Media…