CARBONDALE – As we approach the holiday season, opportunities for package thefts increase. Ordering items online is a very convenient way to shop, but sometimes making things convenient for us can also make it convenient for opportunistic criminals. Unattended packages left on the front porch can be a tempting target for thieves looking for a quick score. The Carbondale Police Department would like to offer some helpful tips to reduce your potential of having package theft occur.
1. Periodically check the area where your packages are typically delivered and bring them in immediately once they have arrived.
2. Ask trusted neighbors to collect packages if you are not at home and be prepared to do the same for them if necessary.
3. Check with the delivery service to see if there is an option to require your signature at the time of delivery, or if not, ask if the package can be left in an area that is out of sight.
4. Use “ship to store” if there is a local business in your area. This way you can pick it up from the local store instead of having it left unattended near your front door.
5. Security cameras for your residence, especially in the areas where packages will be delivered, can be an effective option. Many considerations should be made when looking into video security systems. Some systems do not have sufficient video quality making suspect identification more difficult. Systems should be installed at a height where they can’t be tampered with. Other features like alert notification upon triggering the system and video storage should also be included when making this decision. These options typically affect the cost of the system/service. Check with your insurance agent if a system can help reduce homeowner’s insurance.
6. If delivery is expected while you are at work, ask your employer about allowing it to be delivered to you there instead.
7. Consider purchasing a locking package box that can be secured on your property. These boxes typically allow for a security code you provide in the “comments” or “special instructions” section when placing the order.
The police department encourages residents and visitors in Carbondale to always be alert for suspicious activity, such as vehicles that appear to be following package delivery drivers or persons wandering up to residences as they make their way down the sidewalks or streets. Suspicious activity should immediately be reported to the police department at 618-457-3200 or 911 if it is an emergency. Cell phones or residential security cameras can be used to record suspicious activity and used as evidence for police officers in their investigation. Working together we can help prevent package thefts in Carbondale.
