City of Issaquah issued the following announcement on Nov. 12.
With the rise in online purchasing due to the pandemic, it is more important than ever to prevent package theft this holiday season.
Issaquah Police anticipate seeing a rise in package thefts. Many of the incidents are crimes of opportunity that occur when a thief sees an easy target that can be quickly taken without notice. Help deter package theft by taking precautions.
Safety Tips
You can take the following steps to protect yourself from package theft during the holiday season and all year:
- Track your package, and request email or text alerts about its delivery status.
- Some shipping companies will allow you to choose a preferred time and date, or to change a delivery location when the package is en route.
- Require a signature for your deliveries.
- If you frequently receive deliveries to your residence, consider purchasing a locking parcel delivery box that can be secured.
- Ship your package to a location where someone you know will be available to receive it, such as your workplace or the home of a relative, neighbor or friend.
- Consider using other delivery options that are available. Many retailers and shipping companies may deliver to other secured locations, including lockers, or allow you to pick up your package at a retail store or package center.
- If no other option is available, provide specific instructions about where the package should be left on your property. Choose a location that conceals the item, so it can’t be seen by people walking or driving in your neighborhood.
- If you're going on vacation, place deliveries on hold until you return home.
- If you see a package being stolen from your neighbor’s home, call 911.
- To report suspicious activity, call the Issaquah Police Department’s non-emergency line at 425-837-3200.
- If a package is stolen, file a police report and contact the shipper immediately. Call the Issaquah Police Department's non-emergency line at 425-837-3200.
Source: City of Issaquah
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