If
you have ever ordered clothing, jewelry, gifts, or any other
merchandise by phone, computer, or mail chances are those items were
delivered straight to your home.
Most deliveries DO NOT require a
signature and are generally left at your front door even if no one is
home to accept them. These packages, which quickly catch the eye of
potential thieves, offer criminals that ‘Crime of Opportunity” they are
looking for. Thieves looking to steal your packages will follow or watch for UPS, Fed Ex, US Mail, and other delivery service trucks so they can target your home after the parcels are delivered.
While this type of crime can occur at any time throughout the year it
usually increases around the holidays due to increased shopping
practices of residents.
Below are some “Package Theft Prevention
Tips” for you to use which will help reduce your chances of becoming a
victim of this crime.
If Possible:
? Ask for a tracking
number. Most major shipping companies offer this service at no charge.
This number allows you to track your packages and notifies you when they
will be delivered.
? Request a “Signature Delivery Option”. This
requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they
will not be left at the front door
? Request a specific drop off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages
? Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up
? Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back
door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good
option
? Have your packages delivered to your workplace
? Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them
? Ask to have your packages delivered to a retail store so you can pick them up at your convenience
? Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a “Watchful Eye” out for you
packages. If they’re willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until
you return home
? Leave a note for the carrier instructing them where to leave your packages (Ex: backdoor)
? If your packages do not arrive as scheduled contact the sender immediately