The holiday shopping season is upon us and your local Police Department is reminding residents to help prevent their gifts from falling into the wrong hands. Online shopping has never been more popular, and thieves use the holiday season as an opportunity to take advantage of residents who are having items shipped to their doorsteps. Every year police take reports of stolen holiday presents, but there are precautions you can take to minimize your risk. Please take a moment to review these safety tips.

holiday theft

Holiday Package Theft Prevention Tips

  • FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays. To best ensure that your packages are not taken Police Departments are recommending the following:
  • Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery. If you are able to, pick up your package from your doorstep as soon as it is delivered or have it placed in a safe place that isn’t visible to thieves.
  • Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended. Especially on expensive items.
  • Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
  • Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
  • Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
  • Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
  • If you find your package has been stolen, contact the Police and report it immediately.
  • Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information, such as credit card numbers or social security numbers, to a stranger.

Devices that Prevent Package Theft

If you don’t have a way to be home when the package is delivered, you may consider Package Guard.  It’s a battery-operated, Frisbee-sized device connects to your home’s wifi and can be placed on, or attached to, your porch. Using the Package Guard app connected to your device, you’ll get an app notification or text when a package has been delivered (and placed on) the padlike device. If someone removes the package without you disarming it through the app, the device will let out a loud alarm.

You may also install a front door security camera. The security camera will help deter thieves and also help provide a description of the suspect and possibly the vehicle.

By taking these simple precautions this holiday season, you can help prevent package theft. At Hines Law, we care about your family safety. We want to make sure that you enjoy your holiday season to the fullest!