As the holiday season begins, the Police Department is joining forces with the community to prevent package theft. In the modern age of online shopping, more and more packages are shipped directly to your home. This number greatly increases during the holiday season and with it comes an increase in package thefts. 

The Police Department will be out-and-about in neighborhoods looking for package thieves. Here are a few precautions you can take to ensure your package does not end up in the hands of a thief.

• Only have a package delivered if you are going to be at home.
• Track your package so you know when it will be delivered.
• Sign up to receive alerts about package deliveries.
• Schedule deliveries.
• Sign for packages so you know they have arrived.
• If you are expecting a package, check for it throughout the day and bring the package inside immediately.
• If you are not going to be home or cannot schedule package delivery, have the package delivered to a trusted neighbor’s house or delivered to work.
• You can also choose the “pick-up at store” option when available.
• Check with your carrier to understand their safe shipping options.
• Keep in mind, front door cameras are great a surveillance and documentation tool, but they don’t prevent a thief from taking your packages.
• Don’t be scammed. Some postal customers are receiving fake e-mails about a package delivery or online postage charges. The e-mails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain a link or attachment that when opened, installs a malicious virus on your computer. Don’t open the link!
• If you see a delivery truck in your neighborhood, keep an eye out for someone following the truck and taking packages.
• Be the eyes and ears of your neighborhood. Report suspicious activity and crime - 24/7, by calling 760-931-2197.

Team up with the Police Department. Let's work together to keep the holiday season jolly, safe and secure.

Police media contact
Jodee Reyes, Public Information Officer jodee.reyes@carlsbadca.gov