APD Gives Information to Prevent Package Thieves

There has been some discussion about packages being stolen from porches on recent social media posts. The Department has had seen a couple of recent reports.

Remember that thieves may drive around in any area and look for packages left on porches. They may even follow a delivery driver and watch packages being dropped off. It takes only a few seconds for the thief to step out of a car and take a package.

Here are a couple of tips to help prevent this crime:

• Move packages inside as quickly as possible.

• Track your packages. Some delivery services offer text or e-mail notification of delivery. Some services allow you to direct that a package be left with a neighbor or at place other than your porch on the property. Most allow you to pick up the package at a retail location or even schedule delivery.

• Visit each service’s web site or store front to check out what option fits your needs.

• Use technology to protect your property with motion activated cameras, web cameras, or sensors that notify you when someone was on your porch. If you’d prefer to avoid the technology option, you can also request that a delivery require a signature, or have the package directed to your business for delivery. Knowing your neighbors can pay off, as you can help watch each other’s home and pick up delivered packages.

Do you belong to your neighbor’s watch group or social media group? AND…you can help the APD prevent this crime by watching for people that seem to be driving by, paying a bit too much attention to porches or delivery drivers, or making a brief stop to run to and from the front of a house. That is suspicious activity that we want to check out.

Try to take note of the description of the car: brand, model, color, number of doors, license plate, or anything you think would help us spot the car. Even a cell phone photograph can be useful.

Don’t hesitate to call 378-3038 to report suspicious vehicles or 911 if you see the theft in progress.

-Amarillo Police Dept.