Stop the Doorstep Thieves, Warn Waltham Police

With the holiday shopping season just around the corner, consumers often turn to online shopping for savings and convenience. But many holiday gift buyers are finding themselves the victims of some real Grinches out to ruin their holidays – by stealing packages from doorsteps in broad daylight, said Waltham police.

Police said that it is typically a crime of opportunity, but some of these thieves are known to follow delivery trucks through neighborhoods and snatch packages as soon as they are delivered.

The Waltham Police Department reminds all residents to be aware and as always, if you see something – say something. Most delivery services such as UPS, USPS and FedEx offer ways to better protect your holiday deliveries.

Tips from Waltham Police:

• Have your packages delivered to a secure location, such as your work place, or a friend’s/relative’s home where someone will be available for the delivery.
• To avoid leaving a package unattended, require a signature, especially for packages of high value.
• Request that the package is left in a specific location, preferably not in an open or visible spot.
• Most deliverers allow you to set up email/text notifications for your delivery status, and tells you when your package has arrived.
• Once a package is out for delivery, you can still redirect it to a more secure location. If you have a concern, redirect your package to the UPS or FedEx office, or another secure location.
• If you’ll be away for the holidays, set up a vacation hold to avoid shipping your package to an empty house
• Have a neighbor take your package inside upon delivery so it’s not left out in the open.
• If you suspect your package has been stolen, report it to the Waltham Police Department immediately. Understand that if your package was uninsured, the likelihood of getting it back is minimal. Additionally, thieves may try to gather personal information from package recipients. Never give out information when picking up a package if you were the one to make the purchase. And if a surprise gift or package arrives, do not accept it if a payment is required upon delivery.

The Waltham Police Department wishes all of the people of Waltham a safe and happy Holiday season.

Photo via Boxborough Police