The London Police Service is warning that there has been a 36% increase in porch thefts this year compared to last year.
Police are warning the public because it’s close to the holiday season, people are going using online shopping more and more. The COVID-19 pandemic has made residents in London want to do more online shopping to avoid packed smalls and grocery stores. Many services have also moved to contactless delivery, no longer requiring a signature during delivery.
London Police say thieves are using this opportunity by stealing packages that are unattended or easily accessible at residences all across the city.
Map of reported package thefts/ London Police Service
Some of the precautions that police are saying you can do are:
- When possible, arrange for a specific delivery time or window to ensure that you will be home.
- Monitor your tracking number to ensure that you are around when the package is delivered.
- Ask a neighbour if they could receive your package if you won’t be home at the time of delivery.
- Have your package delivered to a pick-up point to ensure that it isn’t left unattended.
- Get a ‘safe drop’ or locked mailbox for packages.
- Keep clear sightlines to your porch, leave on lights, and install security cameras if possible.
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