A man built his own security box for packages after having a parcel stolen by a porch pirate.

Brandon Mejia, 22, created his own secure package box for just $100 (£73) after losing a sentimental delivery to thieves.

He had ordered a necklace for Mother's Day last year but it was stolen while he was in the shower shortly after it was delivered.

Frustrated, Brandon looked into buying a secure box online but found the available options too complicated and expensive.

Using his welding experience, he teamed up with his father and spent $100 on stainless steel to build a custom security box.

The box has an automatic locking mechanism. It stays open for the delivery and once the parcel is placed inside and the lid is shut, it locks automatically.

It can only be opened using a personal four-digit code, making it highly secure.

Brandon, a welder based in Frederick, Maryland, said: "We've been using the box since December 2024 and it's been working great."

"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."

"After letting it set, I 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."