The Wake Forest Police Department is warning homeowners to be vigilant when they have parcels delivered to their homes. Police say thieves often follow courier trucks and immediately steal items after they are dropped off, so it’s important not to let packages sit around.
By taking the following precautions, online shoppers can avoid having their packages stolen during the holiday season:
- Require a signature upon receipt
- Schedule deliveries for days you or someone you trust will be home
- If possible, have packages delivered to your work address, to a courier pickup station, or to a local retail location for in-store pickup
The police department also offers the following home security tips:
- Make sure your home is well lit. Turn on outside lights, spotlights, motions lights, etc. Leave several lights on timers while you are away to give your home that lived in look.
- Keep all shrubbery trimmed. Do not allow shrubbery to conceal windows or doors.
- Remove anything a burglar could climb up on to gain entry or use to knock out a window or door; items such as ladders, tools, tables and chairs.
- Don’t leave garage roll down doors open, even while you are home or while you are doing yard work.
- Use a deadbolt lock to secure your doors. A double cylinder lock, which requires a key on both sides to unlock, should be used if glass is near the lock.
- If you are going away contact a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up your mail, newspapers, and other delivered items.
- Try not to leave gifts in open view. This is an invitation to burglars.
- Don’t advertise new gifts or purchases. Break up cartons before leaving them at the curb or dispose of them another way the morning of trash pickup.
- Don’t forget to engrave new gifts or purchases with your driver’s license number.
- Don’t open your door to strangers. Be wary of solicitors and salespersons. If a stranger asks to use your telephone, tell them to stay outside, lock the door behind you and make the call for them. Never let a stranger inside your home.
- Don’t give any information about yourself or your neighbor to a stranger.
The Wake Forest Police Department relies on the town’s citizens to be the eyes and ears of the department. Anyone witnessing or experiencing suspicious activity is urged to call the police department at 919-554-6150. You may remain anonymous.
