Porch Pirates: How to Keep Your Holiday Packages Safe

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Christmas is just around the corner and as
shoppers flock to the mall, many gift-givers are opting for an online
shopping option. While online shopping is convenient, there are
certain risks associated with the process…such as possibility of
attracting package thieves. The Zanesville Police Department has
received an influx of calls regarding package thefts from front
porches in the area and Captain Scott Comstock says the department is
keeping a close eye on would be thieves.

“Obviously, online
shopping has become more prevalent in the last few years; and
unfortunately, with the amount of packages being delivered and left
on porches we have had incidents where there have been thefts. We
would encourage people that are shopping online and are going to do
deliveries to either be aware of the delivery date—they can also
make other arrangements.”

If you believe you
have been the victim of package theft, there is one important measure
to take before fling a police report or reporting any items stolen.

“The first step is
going to have to be check around the house thoroughly. Sometimes,
packages are left by the delivery person on the side door or
something like that. Check with the other household members or even
the neighbors or relatives if they might have picked it up. A lot of
people assume there’s been a theft and that’s just not the case.”

To help keep your
holiday packages safe, the Zanesville Police Department recommends
following package tracking numbers, getting a front porch lock box,
or coordinating a pick-up time with a relative or neighbor. All area
instances of package theft may be reported to the Zanesville Police
Department.