Avoid Porch Piracy this Holiday Season
More and more holiday shoppers are lured online this time of year for the promise of great deals and free shipping. Unfortunately, delivery of those items often lures porch pirates to your neighborhood.
Delivery services such as FedEx, UPS and the United States Postal Service say the number of packages stolen usually increases this time of year, partly because more packages are being delivered and because the sun sets earlier in the evening.
The Las Cruces Police Departments has these tips to help prevent such thefts:
• Track deliveries online and try to be home at the time packages are delivered.
• Require a signature for all home delivery packages.
• When scheduling a delivery, leave instructions on where the package can be delivered or ask for a phone call when delivery is made.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to receive your package at the time of delivery.
• If possible, have the package delivered to your place of employment or a location where you know it can be received.
• Have the package delivered to a FedEx or UPS store where it can be held for pickup.
• Consider installing a motion-detection home security system, such as a Ring or Nest, that records video and sends immediate notice of activity to your cell phone.
• Be a good neighbor and watch for suspicious activity. Immediately call police if any such activity is seen in your neighborhood.
Consumers might also consider purchasing insurance for the contents of packages at the time delivery is scheduled. Insuring the items does not prevent them from being stolen but does help provide restitution if items go missing.
