Blackstone Police Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft
BLACKSTONE — With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Chief Ross A. Atstupenas and the Blackstone Police Department wish to remind residents of several precautions they can take when ordering items online to help prevent their gifts from falling into the wrong hands.
A recent report indicates that online holiday shopping will rise nearly 15 percent this year.
“While package theft is preventable, it’s unfortunately something that happens every year,” Chief Atstupenas said. “Following these helpful reminders will go a long way in making it harder for thieves to steal gifts meant for your loved ones.”
FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays.
To best ensure that your packages are not stolen, the Blackstone Police Department recommends the following tips:
- Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
- Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
- Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
- Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
- Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
- Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
- If you find your package has been stolen, call the police immediately.
- Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
- Do not leave packages out in the open in your vehicle. Always lock your vehicle and store all the items out of sight. Bring in all items once you’ve arrived home — do not leave them in your car overnight.
Additionally, the Blackstone Police Department has set up an Internet Purchase Exchange Location inside and outside the station. The areas, which are under video surveillance, are designed to facilitate a safe, secure and public meeting place for people to meet and complete online transactions on websites like Craigslist. Residents can meet in the designated parking area in the back of the police station or the lobby.
The Blackstone Police Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covered by security cameras.
The men and women of the Blackstone Police Department wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!
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