Gig Harbor Police Share Tips To Avoid Package Theft

GIG HARBOR, WA - Inspired by reports of package thefts near Gig Harbor, the police took to social media on Wednesday to hand out tips to help residents avoid having packages stolen during the holidays.

"We have heard at least one report of package thefts from an area just outside Gig Harbor. We’re entering the season where this crime increases," police said in a Facebook post.

Here's what Gig Harbor Police recommend:

• If possible, have your package delivered to a location where it can be received by a trusted person.
• Ask neighbors who are home during the day to watch for deliveries.
• Request that the shipper holds the package at their facility for pick up.
• Track deliveries online and confirm delivery has occurred.
• Insure valuable items.
• Provide delivery instructions, so packages are left out of sight from the street.
• Watch out for vehicles following delivery vans through neighborhoods. Some thieves will simply shadow deliver drivers and go from house to house stealing newly delivered packages.
• When sending packages take them to a post office or other shipping facility, rather than leaving them outside your home for pick up. Let the person you are sending the package to know to expect the package.
• Show off your home security system; make sure you have a sign in the front yard. If you have security cameras, make sure potential thieves know they're there and if you have a doorbell camera, use it.
• Sign up for email notifications from FedEx, UPS, and businesses like Amazon and Urban Outfitters to track your package from initial shipment to its arrival at your home, or the recipient's address if you have the gift delivered directly.

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