Holiday Safety Tips for the Delivery of Packages

 Holiday Safety Tips for the Delivery of Packages
from our Community Service Officers at Boston Police Department C-6

During the holiday season, the Boston Police Department advises residents to be aware of delivery packages being stolen from homes. With the holidays quickly approaching, we want to take this time to remind our residents to protect themselves from being targeted.

Tips to protect yourself from home delivery theft:

‣ Send the package to the residence of a trusted friend or relative who you know will be home. Be sure that the friend is ready and waiting to retrieve the package when the doorbell rings.

‣ Ask the package delivery company to hold the package if you will not be home (many have local delivery centers). While we can't promise that this service is available, there are companies that will hold a package for up to 5 days.

‣ Request that your package be marked "signature required." This requires the delivery person to stand by and wait until you're available to retrieve the package. You could also put a note on your door, requesting the deliverer go to your next-door neighbor for the signature.

‣ Leave special instructions on where to deliver the package. A good place is on the side or back of the house so that the package is out of sight from the road. Ask the delivery person to take and discard the note with him/her or leave it with the package.

‣ Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when your package is scheduled to arrive.

‣ Have the items shipped to the nearest store for "in-store pick-up."

‣ If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to you at work.

‣ If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Community Service Officers of your district. 

These simple tips that can help make the holidays much less stressful and protect your deliveries. 

Have a safe and happy holiday!!!