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Holiday Mail and Package Thefts
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, December 1st, 2015
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Each year during the holiday season law enforcement sees a substantial increase in burglaries. Over the last few years this trend has evolved into mail and package thefts. During the month of December the US Postal Service and entities such as UPS deliver millions of packages to mailboxes and porches. Now, with the convenience of online shopping more people expose themselves to opportunistic criminals driving through neighborhoods looking for unattended packages and full mailboxes. We have received information about solicitors knocking on doors, possibly casing residents, while at the same time grabbing Christmas cards, checks and gifts cards from mailboxes. We also receive calls for suspicious vehicles following delivery services and stealing packages after porch delivery. Here are a few tips to protect your deliveries during the holiday season: 1. Assure someone is at the residence if a delivery is expected. If this is not possible have the delivery sent to a place of employment or request the package is held at the Post Office for pickup. 2. Tracking numbers, most agencies will send you a tracking number to allow you to see where your package is and when it will be delivered. 3. Promptly retrieve packages and mail from your residence. 4. Drop off outgoing mail at the Post Office or hand the mail to the Postal Service delivery person. 5. Encourage your Neighborhood Watch group to call the police for any unusual activity in your area. People in your neighborhood usually know who resides and visits your residence. Neighbors should be calling law enforcement if unknown people are seen going through your mailbox or loitering around your residence. 6. Most importantly be aware of your surroundings, protect yourself and your property by locking doors and windows and making it harder for criminals to steal your valuables. Have a wonderful holiday and call the police department for crimes or suspicious activity in your neighborhoods. Nature of Incident: Holiday Mail and Package Thefts |
