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Yes, there are organized crews who follow delivery drivers and others who case specific neighborhoods, police say.
But "it is most often a crime of convenience," Monica Eaton-Cardone, co-founder and COO of the risk-mitigation firm Chargebacks911, told InsuranceQuotes.com. "The thief sees a package sitting unattended and simply grabs it.”
Nearly 26 million Americans had a holiday package delivery stolen from their front porch or doorstep in just one holiday season, according to a recent survey by Insurance Quotes.
That number was up by 2.5 million from the year before.
This season is expected to set another dubious record.
What to do?
"The US Postal Service, FedEX and UPS all have systems to track your packages from the retailer to your doorstep," Wyckoff Police Chief David Murphy said. "All three use tracking numbers that can be used to figure out where the item is and when it should be delivered to your home.
"With the postal service's Informed Delivery app, you can have email or text alerts about packages sent to you automatically, and you can add delivery instructions for the mail carrier if you won't be home when the package gets there," Murphy added. "UPS' My Choice program and FedEx's Delivery Manager offer similar options.
"Amazon helps you keep track of your packages, too, with tracking information that can be found in your order details."
UPS and FedEx also have special delivery methods (also for a fee) through which a package can be stashed behind a planter or under the porch.
"FedEx will hold your package for pickup at one of its FedEx Office locations or at Walgreens," the chief said. "Packages sent via UPS can be picked up at a UPS facility, diverted to a UPS Store or even delivered on another day that's more convenient for you."
You could have a friend or neighbor collect your package, Murphy noted (For a small fee, you can require that a package not be delivered unless someone signs for it).
There’s always having the package delivered to you at work, the chief added.
You could also have a package sent to your local post office. UPS charges a small fee but texts you when the package is waiting. FedEx does it for free.
"Amazon's Key Smart Lock Kit allows you to remotely unlock your door so a package can be dropped off inside your home," Murphy said. "Or use Amazon's Key In-Car Delivery, which allows a delivery person to put a package in your back seat or trunk when it's parked on the street.
Just as importantly, the chief urged citizens to keep a lookout and immediately report any suspicious people in your neighborhood to them. They don’t mind checking out tips. That’s how they not only catch criminals but also prevent other crimes from happening.
NOTE: If a package of yours does disappear, check your credit card (many banks provide theft protection), then file a police report ASAP.
Then there's the problem of decorations: An estimated 22.6 million Americans reported having theirs stolen or vandalized in the same InsuranceQuotes study.
At the very least, be sure to have some type of home security system.
“Motion-sensored lights are always a good idea," said Emily Long, a security expert with ASecureLife. "They will not only alarm intruders while you’re away but can also alert neighbors to see what’s going on at your home.
“As for security systems — homes without them are 300 percent more likely to be broken into or vandalized,” Long said. “Considering one for the holiday season isn’t a bad idea."
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