Chief Edward James Walsh
23 Summer St.
Taunton, MA 02780
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-742-3922
Email: ben@jgpr.net
Taunton Police Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft
TAUNTON — Now that many residents have begun holiday shopping, Chief Edward J. Walsh and the Taunton Police Department would like to urge everyone to be mindful of a few safety tips to prevent their holiday presents from being stolen.
“With package theft being on the rise around the holidays, it is important for residents to be extra cautious when shopping online,” Chief Walsh said. “Remember to set up a hold with your package carrier if you plan on leaving town during the holidays so your gifts won’t be left unattended.”
FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays.
To best ensure that your packages are not taken, the Taunton Police Department recommends the following tips:
- Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
- Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
- Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
- Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
- Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
- Take into consideration using Amazon Lockers. The lockers are a secure, self-service kiosk where you can pick up Amazon.com packages at a time and place that is convenient for you.
- Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
- If you find your package has been stolen, call the police immediately.
- Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
- Do not leave packages out in the open in your vehicle. Always lock your vehicle and store all the items out of sight. Bring in all items once you’ve arrived home — do not leave them in your car overnight.
Additionally, residents are welcome to meet at the Taunton Police Department to facilitate a safe, secure and public meeting place for residents to complete online transactions on websites like Craigslist. Please note, however, that packages from online transactions should not be sent to the police station.
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