Date: November 28, 2017
When ordering items to purchase on-line such as what took place on “Cyber Monday”, there are two stages you should always be concerned with. The day you order the item and the day it is delivered. The importance of precautions taken when using a credit card for on-line purchases should be also considered when the purchased items are delivered to your home. What steps have you taken to insure your packages will be there when you get home?
The West Covina Police Department would like to share some ideas on reducing the chances of having your delivered packages stolen from your doorsteps.
1. When ordering on-line, see if the retailer provides an option to choose a delivery date and time that works for you. This way you can be home to accept the delivery.
2. Arrange to have the delivered items signed for. If no one is home to accept the package, the delivery company will return to deliver it another time.
3. If you are at home, retrieve the packages as soon as they are delivered. It take 30 seconds for a thief to walk up, take your items and return to their car.
4. If you know you cannot be home for the delivery, arrange to have the delivery company hold the items until you can pick them up at their facility.
5. Arrange to have a neighbor watch for and retrieve the delivered package immediately.
6. Arrange for delivery alerts which can be sent via text to your smartphone or email.
7. Install a camera to video any and all activity in the area of your front entrance. Sometimes even false cameras can act as a deterrent if placed where it can be seen.
8. Have your packages delivered to an alternate location such as your place of employment (if it is allowed) or to a friend or relative.
If it is too late to make delivery arrangements, you can still work with your friends and neighbors by having them be aware of that delivery.
Be alert. If you or your neighbors notice strangers cruising the neighborhood, or you see them approach one of the residences, take notice. These thieves may follow delivery trucks and wait until the package has been left at the front door of the residence. Usually the suspects will park with the driver staying in the car and the passenger door left open to allow the thief a quick return. Notice the vehicle description and that of the suspicious subject that exited the vehicle. Get part or all of the license plate and the direction the vehicle was last seen heading.
Remember, the thief can be male or female, young or old. Call your local police department as it is occurring or as soon as possible to report what you have seen.
By working together, we can help reduce the chances of becoming a victim of these package thefts.
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Information released by:
West Covina Police Department
Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez
1444 West Garvey Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
626 939-8500
Web: www.wcpd.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WestCovinaPD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCovinaPD
Instagram: www.instagram.com/WestCovinaPD
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