Dracut Police Urge Residents to Use Caution When Scheduling Online Holiday Deliveries

DRACUT — As residents ramp up their holiday shopping, Chief Kevin Richardson and the Dracut Police Department ask that the community be careful when scheduling online deliveries to prevent doorstep theft this season.

“This is prime time for thieves to be out scouring neighborhoods looking for packages left unattended on porches and in mailboxes,” Chief Richardson said. “Send your deliveries to a location where you know they will be safe to avoid becoming a victim of theft.”

FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers. To ensure packages are not stolen, consider:

• Requesting a signature on your deliveries, especially those of high value, so they are not left unattended. You can also give specific instructions on where to leave a package so it is not left in a visible spot.

• Signing up for an email alert that will notify you when your delivery is set to arrive.

• Choosing an alternative destination — either at work or at a family member’s, friend’s or neighbor’s house where someone will be home to receive the delivery.

• Re-directing packages, even if they’re already on their way. Send them to your closest FedEx or UPS office, or another secure location.

• Setting up a vacation hold if you’ll be away during the holidays so gifts will not be delivered to an empty house.

If you arrive home to find your package has been stolen, immediately report it to police. However, if the item was not insured, the chances of receiving it back are slim.

Residents should NEVER accept a surprise package or gift where a payment is required. Additionally, do not give out any personal information when retrieving a delivery if you initiated the purchase.

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