Package delivery is quickly becoming the most popular way for busy people to shop. One-click shopping and free two-day delivery makes shopping convenient. Over a billion packages will be delivered during this holiday season. But, did you know millions of homeowners nationwide will experience package theft?
The Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind the community how to reduce the chances of becoming a mail/package theft victim by observing the following suggestions:
• When shopping online, sign up for FedEx Delivery Manager, www.Fedex.com/delivery to customize secured deliveries. You can change the time and location of delivery, leave driver instructions, request a signature, hold your package at your nearest FedEx location, and ask for a ring or email notification that your package is being left.
• Ship packages using Hold for Pickup. When shipping packages, customers can choose the USPS Hold for Pickup option and then you can collect the packages at your local Post Office.
• Have packages delivered to your work, post office, or buddy up with a trusted neighbor.
• Try to schedule deliveries during the times you/or other family members will be home.
• Monitor your front porch with a security camera or video doorbell.
• Whether you have a home mailbox or use a post office box, you should always collect your mail on the day it is delivered. Never leave it in your mailbox overnight.
• Mail thieves look for bank statements and credit card bills, which can be used to create counterfeit checks or fake identifications. Sign up for Online Banking and Paperless Statements to access your account, statements, and history online.
• Personal checks enclosed in utility bills or other payments are altered by removing the ink, and then changed to the thieves’ name and desired amount.
• Always deposit your mail inside your local post office or hand it to your mail carrier.
• Traveling out of town? Have a trusted friend/neighbor pick up your mail or stop your mail delivery at http://www.usps.com/manage/manage your mail.
• USPS (United States Postal Service) will send you images of your mail and allow you to manage your incoming packages by signing up for USPS Informed Delivery Service. Sign up for free and view by email what your mail delivery will be for that day. www.usps.com/manage/welcome.htm
Please share this information with family and friends. Don’t give a thief an opportunity. Trust your instincts. If you see or hear suspicious activity call Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950 and report it.
For additional information regarding Crime Prevention and Neighborhood Watch, please contact Jean-Marie Maroshek of the Crime Analysis and Prevention Unit at (805) 583-6276 or [email protected]
