Weekly Tip - Prevent Parcel Theft

Have you ordered items over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail? Chances are that those packages will be delivered straight to your front porch. The majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. We are quickly approaching the time of year that brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity, as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex, US Mail, or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are some suggestions for helping to prevent a theft of your packages:

• If possible, use your workplace as the shipping address.
• Track your shipments by phone or online so that you know what day they should arrive.
• Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home.
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons or vehicles in the area.
• Request a signature delivery option if available, or request the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office.
• Check with "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee.
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.