For Immediate Release

Monday, Nov. 27, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Whitman Police Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft

WHITMAN – With the holiday shopping season officially here, Chief Scott D. Benton and the Whitman Police Department wish to remind residents of several precautions they can take when ordering items online to help prevent their gifts from falling into the wrong hands.

“Taking a few extra steps can help ensure that your online purchases arrive safely,” Chief Benton said. “This is something that we see every year, and it’s terrible when a loved one’s gift is stolen. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call the police.”

FedEx and UPS offer services to assist customers during the holidays. To best ensure that your packages are not taken, Whitman Police recommend the following strategies:

• Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
• Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
• Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
• Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
• Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep.
•  Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
• If you find your package has been stolen, reach out to Whitman Police and report it immediately.
• Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.

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