St. Thomas, ON – Tuesday November 21st 2023
With the holiday season fast approaching, the joy of gift-giving is upon us! However, along with the excitement of shopping and deliveries comes the risk of theft by “Porch Pirates.” These individuals brazenly steal packages left unattended on doorsteps, robbing you of the joy of giving.
The St. Thomas Police Service urges our residents take proactive measures to ensure the safe arrival of your packages and gifts. Here are some tips to safeguard your deliveries and prevent falling victim to theft:
- Track Your Packages: Utilize tracking services provided by delivery companies to monitor the progress of your deliveries. This allows you to anticipate their arrival and make a plan to be home.
- Secure Delivery Location: Whenever possible, have packages delivered to a location where someone can receive them in person.
- Request Signature on Delivery: Opt for services that require a signature upon delivery. This ensures that packages aren’t left unattended and vulnerable to theft.
- Install Security Cameras: Consider installing outdoor security cameras to monitor your doorstep. Visible cameras can act as a deterrent to potential thieves.
- Use Delivery Lockboxes or Services: Some companies offer lockboxes or secure locations for package deliveries. Look into these options to keep your items safe until you retrieve them.
- Communicate with Neighbors: Inform trustworthy neighbors when you’re expecting a delivery. They can keep an eye out for your packages and hold them for you until you’re able to collect them.
Remember, if you notice suspicious behavior or become a victim of package theft, report it to the St. Thomas Police Service.
Let’s work together to ensure those carefully chosen gifts make it under your tree and not into the hands of porch pirates.
