Holiday Shopping: Prevent Criminals From Taking Your Mail, Packages

From Fremont Police

Over the last week, a couple of Fremont residents have reported packages and mail being stolen from their front porches. This type of criminal activity tends to be on the rise during the holiday season.

As most are aware, delivery companies normally ring the door bell and leave the package on the front doorstep for residents to retrieve at a later time. Most thieves are looking for electronics and high end gifts that they can profit from.

Our patrol teams and US Postal Inspectors are aware of the recent thefts and will be conducting extra patrol checks throughout our community. 

Here are a few safety tips you can take to better protect yourself if you are expecting a package delivery. 

Always retrieve packages (and mail) as soon as it arrives.

If you are not going to be home to receive the package: 

1. 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 and be on the lookout in case the doorbell doesn't ring (we received information recently that they may not ring the bell if the value is less than $100). 
2. 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, we do know that some companies will hold a package for up to 5 days. 
3. Request that your package is 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. 
4. Mark the package with a value of $100 or more, which will likely require a signature. 
5. 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 deliver to take and discard the note with him/her or leave it with the package. 
6. Use a company that provides a tracking service and check online to see when it is scheduled to arrive. 
7. Have the items shipped to the nearest store for “in-store pick up.” 
8. If you have an understanding boss, have your packages delivered to you at work. 

Please be vigilant during the holidays and report any and all suspicious activity to the Fremont Police Department at 510-790-6800, option 3. If you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. 

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To contact Fremont PD directly for non-emergency matters or send photos, please email us at fremontpolice@fremont.gov.