Awareness of parcel thefts during the festive period

With the festive period in full flow, there is often an increase in online orders that are delivered by several companies across the Humberside area.

With the increase in deliveries, there is always the chance that parcels may be targeted by thieves after they have been left at the delivery address.

Below are some tips to help you keep your deliveries safe –

• Track your deliveries, most delivery companies have a tracking option that allows you to monitor your package and obtain an estimated delivery time.
• Provide a ‘safe space’ for your delivery. Most delivery companies allow you to nominate a ‘safe space’ for your package, this could be with a neighbour, with a friend or maybe a secure parcel box. Ensure you provide a location if you think you won’t be home at the time of delivery. A wheelie bin is not a suitable location, as that is the first-place thieves will normally look.
• Consider security measures, such as a doorbell camera or CCTV to deter thieves and record any suspicious behaviour.
• If you witness any suspicious behaviour in your area, please report it on 101, or 999 if it is a crime in progress.

Delivery vans also get targeted, this could include people paying attention to a specific van, following a delivery van, or trying to open doors.

Could I also ask that you remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour surrounding delivery vans on 101 or 999.

Further crime prevention advice can be found on the Secured by Design website here.

Please feel free to share this alert with family, friends, and on social media by clicking the share button below the alert.

Message Sent By
Jamie Steel
(Humberside Police, Crime Reduction Officer, Community Safety Unit)