Unfortunately, this season brings out individuals who are looking for crimes of opportunity, as well as criminals that actually target delivery trucks in neighborhoods. To reduce the chances of being victimized by package delivery thieves, we offer the following advice:
Get a larger mailbox that will accommodate large envelopes.
Choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for delivery.
Check delivery status online so you can try to be home when the package arrives. Some retailers even offer text messages to your cell phone to alert you when items have been delivered.
On the expected day of arrival, post a note on your door asking the delivery service to leave the package with a trusted neighbor.
Arrange to have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it.
Ask the delivery company to hold your package for customer pick-up at their local shipping facility. Or select “Ship to Store” option. Call Fedex or UPS and request evening delivery or date-certain delivery or make an appointment for a specific delivery time.
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 to your local police department.
Many of these crimes occur during broad daylight. Be alert about suspicious behavior in your neighborhood.
Install an Internet Protocol camera on your front door that you can watch from your smart phone or iPad tablet and see when the delivery was made and better yet, the bad guy walking up and taking it. $300 dollars.
BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR - If you have a neighbor that is home during the day or works from home, let him/her know you are waiting for a package and if they could please sign for it or hold it until you get home.
