7 Tips To Avoid Holiday Package Thefts

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Police are asking residents to be on alert during the holiday season to avoid thefts of packages.

Last year, dozens of packages that were left on front porches were stolen, police reported.

"Cranford Police Department is asking residents to remain extra vigilant by calling the police to report suspicious cars and people in their neighborhood. The weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are prime time for package thieves," police reported.

Cranford Police offered 7 tips to prevent package thefts:

1. Request a “Signature Delivery Option”. This requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they will not be left at the front door;
2. Request a specific drop off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages;
3. Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up;
4. Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good option;
5. Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them;
6. Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a “Watchful Eye” out for your packages. If they’re willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until you return home;
7. Sign up for accounts with the common carriers (USPS, FedEX, and UPS). By signing up for accounts, you can get access to more detailed tracking information and provide special instructions for the drivers. For instance, you can provide a neighbor’s address where drivers might try if you’re not home or make requests to hold the package before it goes out for delivery

(Image via Morguefile)

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