It’s the time of the year when many of us are beginning our holiday shopping, thanks to modern technology we can now buy just about anything online and have it delivered to our doorstep in a matter of hours or days. Not only has online shopping been super convenient, but it’s also created a huge window of opportunity for package thieves referred to as “porch pirates”.
With an overwhelming number of folks purchasing products online, particularly this time of the year, many are prime targets for these porch pirates. Wooden chests full of gold, silver, and jewels aren’t the only thing pirates are after these days, they also want your packages.
Here’s how you can help prevent porch pirates from striking your treasure:
- Have your packages delivered to a location where someone can receive them in-person. A neighbor or relative who is usually home, for example, or your workplace if your employer allows it.
- Encourage your neighbors to watch for deliveries and agree to secure each other’s packages. This includes being watchful for any strangers who are going onto porches for no apparent reason, or following delivery trucks.
- Ask the shipper to hold your package at their facility. Most offer this service.
- Track deliveries online. Many companies offer a text notification to your cell phone when a package has been delivered.
- Request a signature confirmation of delivery.
- Insure valuable items.
- Provide delivery instructions. If packages will be left while you are not home, try to have them left out of sight from the street.
- Consider installing a camera surveillance system. Many cameras include features, such as high-definition resolution and saved images, which can help law enforcement should an incident occur.
If you discover that your package has been stolen please call our non-emergency line at 408-730-7180 to report it. If you see the crime in progress we ask that you use caution and do not approach the suspect(s), instead call 911. When calling 911 please keep in mind that it is important to give as much information as possible that describes the potential suspect(s), their vehicles, and direction of travel.
