Wheaton Police Warn of Holiday Packages Stolen from Doorsteps

Submitted by the Wheaton Police Department 

Although it may be convenient to shop online and have items shipped to your home, it is also easy for criminals to steal those deliveries right off of your doorstep.

The Wheaton Police Department is warning shoppers to be careful this holiday season to avoid becoming a victim of theft.

Theft of delivered packages is a crime of opportunity. Here are some tips to keep you from becoming a victim.

• Report all suspicious vehicles and persons by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
• If you anticipate a delivery, ask a neighbor, friend or relative to retrieve it for you.
• Be alert for your neighbors if you are home during the day.
• If an employer permits, have packages delivered to your workplace in order to receive it immediately.
• With tracking readily available online from most merchants, you can determine when to expect your delivery.