Avoid Package Thefts With These Lower Merion Police Tips

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The holidays are in full swing, and that means countless packages are being delivered to homes across the region.

Unfortunately, many packages are delivered to empty homes as kids are in school and adults are out working, leaving packages susceptible to thieves.

Lower Merion Township Police have offered up some tips to help package recipients avoid becoming victims of porch pirates.

Police in Lower Merion strongly encourage residents to use video security systems such as doorbell cameras or outside cameras.

The visibility of these systems is a great deterrent to criminal activity and can provide some peace of mind to residents.

Another way to avoid thefts is to require a signature for package delivery, police said.

Police said secure package delivery boxes are also a good way to deter thieves.

Asking neighbors to keep eyes out for delivered packages is another step to avoid thefts.

And, police said residents can potentially have packages delivered to their workplaces or family members they know can accept the packages instead of being sent to empty homes.

"Unfortunately, during the holiday season, we often see an increase in package thefts from resident’s porches or apartment lobbies," Superintendent McGrath said. "We encourage our residents to follow our safety tips to ensure your package is delivered safely!"

McGrath said to call police to report any suspicious behavior in the neighborhood and to report missing or stolen packages.

"Stay on top of your delivery notifications in order to get the package off your porch or out of your mailbox as quickly as possible," McGrath said.