Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder would like to take this opportunity to advise residents how to keep your packages and deliveries safe from “Porch Pirates.”
As the holiday season approaches, many people are doing shopping online and having packages shipped to their homes. Unfortunately, this presents a perfect opportunity for thieves to steal packages that are left unattended outside your home. Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself.
When selecting shipping options, choose one that requires you to sign for delivery. In most cases, if you aren’t at home when a delivery is attempted, you can either pick up your packages in person or schedule a delivery for a time when you are able to receive it.
Remember to track your delivery online. Check your package’s delivery status its estimated delivery time and try to be home when it arrives at your door.
It is also wise to leave a note asking the delivery service to leave the package with a trusted neighbor instead of on your doorstep. With many people working remotely from home, it’s possible a neighbor could be home during the day to receive your delivery. This is a great option to ensure someone is there to receive it!
There is also the option to have the package shipped to another location where someone is able to receive it. If possible, see if you can have it delivered to your work address (if your company permits) or to a friend that is home during daytime hours.
If you can’t get to your package, ask the delivery service to hold your package for a customer pick-up. Some delivery services like UPS or FedEx allow you to pick up packages at their retail stores.
As always, avoid sending cash by mail. Checks and money orders are safer than cash and may be canceled or reissued in the event of theft.
