As the holiday season quickly approaches we’d like to remind citizens to take some proactive steps in protecting themselves from “Porch Pirates”, or thieves that steal packages and other mail parcels from the porches of unsuspecting residents. During this time of year many people order packages on the internet that will be delivered when the purchaser is not home to receive them. Thieves know this and look for unreceived packages to steal, which is why we see an increase in mail/package theft this time of year.
Please consider the following when purchasing items on-line this holiday season:
- Don’t leave your mail or parcels unattended—especially overnight.
- Enlist the help of your neighbors. If you have a stay-at-home neighbor or friend, ask them to pick up packages you are expecting.
- Consider an alternate shipping address.
- Track and customize your delivery. Fedex, UPS, and The United States Postal Service all offer options to require a signature upon delivery, change the time and location of a delivery, or hold a package until you are able to receive it. (There is a fee associated with some of these services)
- Install security cameras on your residence. Surveillance video and images help law enforcement catch mail thieves and bring them to justice, but most thieves know to stay away from homes with visible security cameras.
- Report suspicious activity immediately. If you notice an unfamiliar vehicle following behind a delivery truck or unknown persons hovering around, report the activity to your local police department and the delivery service.
If you believe you have become a victim of mail theft please call our non-emergency number at 303-660-7500, if you see a crime in progress dial 9-1-1.