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LCPD: Tips to prevent becoming victim of porch piracy

K.Wilson3 months ago

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – Delivery services often see an increase in the number of packages stolen during the holiday season, and because of this, The Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) is providing some tips to help prevent the community to become a victim of porch piracy.

The department says that more packages are being delivered (FedEx, UPS, Amazon and the United States Postal Services) this time of year, and because some deliveries are made past sunset, the darkness can conceal a likely perpetrator.

According to a survey conducted by Lombardohomes.com , 94 million Americans expect to have a package delivered this holiday season.

An annual poll by security.org , showed that 18% of online shoppers do not take any precautions to ensure their packages are delivered safely.

LCPD provides the following tips to help prevent becoming a victim of porch piracy:

Track deliveries online and try to be home when your package is scheduled for delivery.

Require a signature for home delivery packages.

When scheduling a delivery, leave instructions where the package can be delivered.

Request electronic notification when delivery is made.

Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to receive your package at the time of delivery.

Create a concealed drop-off zone, possibly using planters or creative landscaping, where packages can be left near the front door and remain unseen from passersby.

If possible, have the package delivered to your place of employment or a location where you know it can be securely received.

Schedule online purchases from big box retailers to be delivered to their local store where you can arrange for pickup.

Have the package delivered to a FedEx or UPS store where it can be held for pickup.

Utilize a motion-activated porch light to help deter unwanted guests.

Consider installing a motion-activated home security system, such as a Ring or Nest doorbell camera, that records video and immediately sends notification of activity to your smartphone.

Be a good neighbor and watch for suspicious activity. Immediately call police if suspicious activity is seen in your neighborhood.

LCPD Public Information Officer Dan Trujillo told KTSM that without surveillance footage, they don’t have much “luck” catching thieves in their investigations.

“A couple of years ago, we had an incident where there was good video of somebody doing this. And we had an ID of that person. And we made an arrest and filed charges against that person. So that’s the best defense. That and also picking up your package immediately after it was dropped off,” Trujillo said.

Additionally, consumers might also consider purchasing insurance for the contents of packages at the time delivery is scheduled. Insuring the items does not prevent them from being stolen but does help provide restitution if items go missing, according to LCPD.

KTSM also spoke with a couple shopping in Las Cruces, who say they have been victims of porch piracy. The husband, John Petrone expressed what are his main concerns.

“My big concern is when you’re expecting a package and the delivery person doesn’t ring the bell to let you know that it’s there. If you’re not home, that’s one thing. But if you’re at home and you’re expecting a package and they don’t ring the bell, you don’t know that it’s there until you actually physically go look for it. And sometimes you do find it and sometimes you don’t,” he said.

Another Las Cruces shopper, Ziandra Valdez told KTSM that she prefers to shop online for its convenience, but that she tracks her packages up until when they’re delivered.

“When I order online, I make sure I check when it’s arriving every day and as soon as it says it arrives, I go out to get it just in case,” said Valdez.

Read the full article:https://www.ktsm.com/news/lcpd-tips-to-prevent-becoming-victim-of-porch-piracy/

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