With a growing number of people doing at least some of their shopping online this holiday season, London police are issuing a warning about an increase in package thefts from front porches.
London police said there has been a sharp increase in thefts by so-called "porch pirates". According to police, they've seen a 36 per cent increase in these types of thefts so far this month when compared to all of December 2019.
"Thieves are taking advantage of opportunities, and stealing packages that are unattended or easily accessible at residences throughout the city," police said Thursday.
The London Police Service is offering the following tips for people to avoid having their online purchases stolen after they've been delivered to their doorstep.
-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.
