Fairfax Package Theft: Tips to Thwart Potential Thieves

A Fairfax resident living at the 3700 block of Tedrich Boulevard told police an unknown suspect stole three packages delivered to her home around 2:57 p.m. Dec. 11. The suspect reportedly emptied the packages of their contents and discarded the boxes nearby.

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When handling package deliveries during the holidays, keep in mind these tips from Consumer Reports:

• Choose a shipping option that requires you to sign for delivery.
• Check on the package’s delivery status online so you can try to be home when it arrives.
• Leave a note asking the delivery service to leave the package with a neighbor.
• Have the package shipped to another location where someone can receive it, like your office or a friend’s home.
• Ask the delivery service to hold your package for customer pickup.
• File a theft report immediately if you think your package was stolen, and contact your credit card company to find out if it offers a purchase-protection service that might reimburse you for stolen purchases.

If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company to confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office at 703-691-2131.

Many of these crimes occur during broad daylight. As always, be alert about suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, especially if you see a delivery truck making rounds followed by a vehicle or unfamiliar subjects on foot. Report this type of suspicious activity to the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.

If you see a suspicious person, write down as much descriptive information as you can about the type of vehicle, color, make/model and license plate information. If possible, provide descriptive information about the person or persons in the vehicle including age, hair color, clothing description and color. Include distinguishing features such as facial hair, tattoos, height, or anything else you think may help deputies identify the suspect(s).

How do you protect your packages during the holiday season? Tell us in the comments section below.