1.7K
The following were tips provided by the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff.
The number of package thefts from homes, especially during the holidays, continues to be a challenge for law enforcement. In these cases, suspects steal packages oftentimes left at the front of homes by delivery companies. Sometimes these suspects follow the delivery trucks to see where packages are delivered. Cases increase during the holidays, but this occurs year round.
Here are some tips to help avoid being a victim of package thieves:
- First schedule the delivery for a time you know you will be home or have it delivered to your workplace if possible.
- Don’t have packages delivered to your door in the first place. Instead, ask that packages be held at the post office or at your local UPS or FedEx location for pickup. Contact them for details on delivery options.
- Have your packages delivered to a friend or relative you know will be home at the time of delivery.
- Another option is to sign up to receive a text notification when your package is delivered so you can make sure to take it off your porch right away.
- Select a tracking option if it is available so you know exactly when to expect delivery.
- Or, tell your shipper to obtain a signature before leaving a package.
- There may be an Amazon Locker location nearby, where Amazon customers can pick up or drop off packages.
- Having a surveillance or alarm system may deter thieves.
- If your package does not arrive, notify the sender immediately.
- Finally, if you are the victim of a package theft, be sure to report it to your local law enforcement agency.
8 comments
This is preventable, and I have no empathy for idiots that refuse to have the common sense to stay on top of their tracking numbers, and not leave packages on the porch all day. You’re saying STEAL ME and law enforcement shouldn’t have to provide tips. WISE UP.
I received an email update on a package last night stating UPS would deliver it on Friday (my half day). I received an email this morning stating they delivered my item.
Sooooooooo that’s my fault huh?
If delivery can’t be trusted, don’t order by mail. Go to the store and buy it. So, yes – it is your fault.
You said it Nick. I little common sense goes a long way.
I usually try to have packages delivered to a UPS or FedEx store, but sometimes don’t have the option.
It would help if USPS, UPS, and FedEx would go back to RINGING THE DOORBELL when they put a package on the porch.
Also, don’t rely on the USPS for anything. They lost 3 1/2 weeks of our mail when we put a vacation hold on it; in So Cal, they lost 2 weeks of my daughter’s mail when she had a vacation hold. Also, don’t rely on USPS delivery notifications; I had signed up for it and happened to be home when the package was delivered (no doorbell used) and I heard the carrier outside. Got the notification via text msg about 5 hours later.
I have ALL my mail delivered to a PO BOX …. and I don’t ever have to worry about anyone lifting things from mailbox or my front door. A real peace of mind.
Common sense is NOT that common
Common sense is NOT that common
Comments are closed.