Sumner PD Warns Residents To Prepare For Package Theft Season

SUMNER, WA — The holidays are on the way, and while it's normally a time of joy and togetherness, it can be a real bummer to have your presents stolen. That's why the Sumner Police Department is taking the time to remind everyone to take a few precautions, and not to let the so-called "porch pirates' ruin the festivities.

Here are six tips from Sumner PD on protecting your packages

1. Consider a doorbell camera. Security alarms, doorbell cameras and other monitoring devices may cause would-be thieves to reconsider before taking your property.

2. Require signature on delivery. It can be a hassle to tromp down to the front door and sign for a package, but it's definitely much less of a hassle than losing the package entirely: Requiring a signature means the package won't be left at the door, giving thieves no opportunities to pull it from your porch.

3. Try Amazon lockers. If you order your deliveries through Amazon, you can choose to have packages delivered to a secure locker, which only you can access. Sumner PD says the city has several Amazon lockers already installed, including one right behind City Hall.

4. Grab a mailbox sensor. Mailbox sensors are a little less obvious than doorbell cameras, but alert you whenever your mailbox has been opened.

5. Invest in a porch lockbox. If you're not interested in heading out to an Amazon lockbox, get one of your own, that way the deliveryman can lock up your package until you get home to snag it.

6. Check tracking information. Most delivery services let you track your packages online. Actively checking those trackers can help you pick up those packages as soon as they are delivered, cutting off criminals at the pass.