12/13/2018
Tips to Avoid Holiday Package Theft
With more and more people doing their shopping online, packages delivered to your doorstep have become a prime target for theft. To ensure safe delivery of your packages and keep them out of the hands of thieves, follow these important security tips:
*** Have packages delivered to where you are, not where you aren't. Your home is not the only place you can have your packages delivered. For example, if you work during the day, have items you order online delivered to your place of business instead of your home address. Instruct family and friends to do the same for packages they mail to you throughout the year.
*** Set up alternative delivery/pickup options through your local delivery services. Whether the majority of your packages are delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx, each offers alternative delivery and pickup options. For example, UPS has an expanding "My Choice" network that provides for delivery and pickup of packages at local grocery or convenience stores in various neighborhoods. Amazon also offers pick up at local lockers throughout the city.
*** Discourage thieves from targeting your residence with a few strategic home security devices. Doorbell cameras can be effective crime deterrents. Your home security cameras should be prominently displayed where potential criminals can see them, yet high enough or secured to prevent them from being tampered with.
*** Keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles and subjects in your neighborhood. Putting a stop to package theft and residential burglaries is a team effort. Talk to your neighbors and encourage everyone to keep an eye out for suspicious activity (an individual or vehicle following a delivery truck, a stranger removing a package from outside a residence, etc).
Please report suspicious activity to the Santa Monica Police Department by calling 911 or to report a theft which occurred earlier please call our non-emergency number at 310.458.8491.
Photo courtesy of Herndon Police Department!