Chief Sutton: How to minimize package thefts

Package theif

From LFP Police Chief Steve Sutton

Holiday Shopping and Package Deliver Season is Here!! 

In Lake Forest Park, there has been an increase in mail and package theft. 

Just last week, officers were called by a postal delivery person that he was being followed by a suspicious vehicle. Every time he made a delivery, the other vehicle would stop. After doing this several times, he became suspicious and called 911. 

When officers contacted the suspected vehicle, we confirmed that the suspect was in fact documenting each delivery and texting the address to another person who was traveling behind scooping up packages. This is avoidable!

Strategies you can employ to minimize the opportunity

• Talk to neighbors that you trust. If you are expecting a package and are unable to be home when it arrives, let your neighbor know. Even have them take the package for you.
• Leave a note to the carrier to deliver in a more concealed area of the residence like your back door.
• Use Amazon Drop Box locations.
• Have deliveries sent to your place of work.
• Install camera systems that are both covert (to catch a thief) and as a visible deterrent.
• Create or purchase a large box that carriers can place packages in with the ability to lock by the delivery person.
• Require a signature and allow drop off at a neighbor or different location
• Pick up your mail promptly after delivery.
• If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
• If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
• Don’t send cash in the mail.
• Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
• Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.

Here are a couple of interesting news stories:

• King5 Porch Pirates
• Gift thief caught on camera stealing poop-filled package
• Have you ever heard of Amazon Flex Delivery – people in regular cars

Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!