CHATHAM – Chatham Police are issuing the following crime prevention tips for the holidays
As the frequency of on-line shopping has increased over the last several years, so too has the opportunity for thieves to abscond with package deliveries left unattended at doorsteps. To minimize your risk of having doorstep deliveries stolen, please review the tips below and always remember to report any suspicious activity to the police department promptly.
1. Schedule deliveries for when you will be home. Most delivery companies offer the flexibility for you to have some choices with regard to when your delivery will be made. There may be a fee involved, but that fee may be worth the peace of mind.
2. Have packages held at the delivery company. Many delivery companies will hold your delivery for you so you can pick it up in person. This may also have a fee involved, but it may be worth the peace of mind.
3. Request that the delivery be left in a less visible location such as by a side door or around back where it can’t be seen too easily. Remember…out of sight, out of mind.
4. Use the tracking services that the delivery company offers. Many delivery companies offer services that allow you to receive email or text alerts and notifications regarding the status of your delivery.
5. Arrange for a trusted neighbor to hold your package for you if you won’t be home.
6. Use surveillance equipment around your property. Surveillance cameras and systems are becoming as common as alarm systems. These are great for capturing good evidence if something does happen on your property and they often come with signage that you can post conspicuously to alert potential thieves to the presence of surveillance cameras, which is a good deterrent to crimes of opportunity such as package theft.
7. Be vigilant and be observant. If you see someone following a delivery truck or if you notice someone suspicious going door-to-door, you should notify the police promptly.
CPD has not had an increase in reports of thefts from doorsteps but in keeping with our commitment to being proactive in our crime prevention efforts in our community, we are providing these helpful tips to everyone. We encourage everyone to “share” this information to help reduce the risk of package theft this holiday season. And, as always, please report any suspicious activity to the police department promptly.
