Police Offer Advice on Preventing Theft of Christmas Packages From Porches

In December, 2011, days before Christmas, Somerville, Mass., police, working with other police departments in the area, arrested a man and woman for allegedly stealing delivered packages from people's porches and doorways.

While Somerville, Mass., may seem pretty far away from the Portsmouth area, this is an issue that Portsmouth area residents have to contend with also. When UPS drivers deliver holiday gifts to residents' homes and leave them at the front door, they are very vulnerable to thieves who are out to do some Christmas shopping of their own by taking other people's gifts.

Here is some advice offered by Someville, Mass., Police that could be very helpful to Portsmouth area residents who are shopping online:

There any many steps that home shoppers can take to reduce the chance that their deliveries will be stolen.  Here are some helpful tips to prevent the theft of your package.

1. Have your package delivered to a location where someone can receive it in person.  A neighbor or relative who is usually home, or if you have an understanding boss, to your workplace, are good alternatives.
2. Encourage you neighbors to watch for deliveries and agree to secure each other’s packages.  This includes being watchful for any stranger who is going onto porches for no apparent reason or following delivery trucks.
3. Request the shipper to hold your package at their facility.  Most offer this service. 
4. Track deliveries on line.   Many companies officer a text notification to your cell phone when a package has been delivered.
5. Request a signature confirmation of delivery. 
6. Insure valuable items
7. Provide delivery instructions.  If packages will be left while you are not home, try to have them left out of sight from the street. 
8. If you see anyone acting suspicious, call 911.